Chelsea’s injury crisis has not improved as much as Enzo Maresca might have liked during the October international break.
While he managed to keep some of his key players in London to rest rather than jetting off with their respective national sides, he has not come away without new casualties. Enzo Fernandez is the latest arrival in the physio’s room after he withdrew early from the Argentina squad.
He joins a great number of his team-mates in recovery, including the likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro, who are all facing a race against time to be passed fit to face Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Here’s all the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates...
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez’s early withdrawal from Argentina duty adjusted the main focus of Chelsea’s injury crisis from defence to midfield.
He returned to Cobham with inflammation in his right knee after playing 78 minutes in a 1-0 friendly defeat of Venezuela.
The severity of the injury is not yet clear and he will be assessed.
Potential return date: Unknown
Reece James
Chelsea’s October break started on a sour note as Reece James withdrew from England duty, citing a new injury.
It was sustained as he played the full duration of last weekend’s dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool, though Standard Sport understands it is only a minor issue.
His withdrawal from the England squad seemed to be precautionary and James will take time to rest.
Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Cole Palmer
Maresca had previously told the press that Palmer would be sidelined until after the October international break as he rests a “chronic” groin injury, but it now appears he could be out for longer.
His condition is being closely monitored by club physios, though he is not expected to return to the pitch until November.
That could mean the Blues will be without their talisman for a Champions League clash with Ajax, a Carabao Cup tie away to Wolves, and a pair of Premier League outings.
He will hope to return to the pitch in time for Chelsea’s visit to Tottenham on November 1, though the club are taking a conservative approach to his recovery and will not rush him back early.
Potential return date: November
Moises Caicedo
Caicedo has been in fine form this season, but was not selected to play in Ecuador’s friendlies against the United States and Mexico in this international break.
He is understood to have been playing with a knock for some time, and has opted to take the time to rest and recover.
Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece said: “About Moises, his coach [Maresca] said he’s injured. He’s not well.”
His injury does not appear serious, though, and he could be back in contention when the Premier League returns.
Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Benoit Badiashile
Benoit Badiashile returned to the pitch after three months out as Chelsea faced Benfica in the Champions League earlier this month, but has since suffered a fresh setback.
Both he and Josh Acheampong hobbled off as Chelsea beat Liverpool before the international break, though Blues assistant boss Willy Caballero was quick to play down the concern.
“It was just prevention,” he said. “We spoke with them already and they said that they are okay, so [it is] good for us.”
Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro’s situation is similar to Caicedo’s. He had been playing through a knock prior to the October international break, and was not selected by his country.
He had complained ahead of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at Brentford that he was “not 100 per cent fit” but was named in the starting lineup regardless.
He was later used as a substitute as Benfica visited in the Champions League, picking up two yellow cards after playing less than half an hour.
Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Andrey Santos
As with his countryman Joao Pedro, Andrey Santos missed out on Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the October international break.
He has also been dealing with a knock in recent weeks, last appearing for the Blues in their 3-1 home loss to Brighton.
The severity of his injury, which has now seen him sidelined for a fortnight, remains unclear.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana has not appeared for Chelsea since they beat Lincoln 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.
He was caught underneath Filip Jorgensen in that tie as the Dane made a high claim, coming away with a concussion.
He will return after the international break after completing concussion return protocols.
Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea’s defensive selection crisis was compounded ahead of the international break as Tosin Adarabioyo picked up a “small calf injury” as the Blues geared up to host Brighton.
Maresca said at the time that he would be fit to return after the international break.
Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Dario Essugo
Looking to longer-term injuries, Dario Essugo remains in recovery after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury sustained on international duty.
He is expected to be out for a minimum of 12 weeks from the surgery, which took place in early September, meaning he could be sidelined until the New Year.
Potential return date: Early 2026
Liam Delap
Liam Delap remains sidelined with a torn hamstring, which is expected to keep him out until the turn of the year.
Maresca said at the time that the injury would take six to eight weeks to heal, though no clear timeline has yet been revealed.
Potential return date: Unknown
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill is not expected to return until the latter stages of this season after tearing his ACL in pre-season.
A statement published on Chelsea’s official website read: “Defender Levi Colwill has today undergone successful surgery to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
“Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase.”
Potential return date: Spring 2026
