Chelsea’s demanding January schedule has been complicated by fresh fitness concerns, with Cole Palmer emerging as the latest worry ahead of a crucial sequence of matches in domestic and European competition.
The Blues secured a 2–0 win over Brentford at the weekend, with Palmer converting from the penalty spot, but the victory came at a cost. The midfielder completed the full 90 minutes yet appeared uncomfortable after the final whistle, prompting concern within the Chelsea camp as they prepare for a pivotal 10-day period.
Chelsea host Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday needing a win to strengthen their hopes of finishing in the top eight and securing automatic qualification. That is followed by a Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday, before a decisive European away fixture against Napoli next week.
Here is the latest on Chelsea’s injury situation and potential return dates.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer remains Chelsea’s primary concern.
The 23-year-old played the full match against Brentford but was seen sitting on the pitch at full-time clutching his heavily strapped groin. Palmer has battled persistent groin issues this season, alongside thigh and toe problems, and did not appear fully comfortable despite scoring from the spot.
Head coach Liam Rosenior is expected to provide a clearer update in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Pafos fixture.
Potential return date: 21 January vs Pafos (H)
Estêvão
Estêvão was a notable absentee from the Brentford squad after starting the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal earlier in the week.
Rosenior confirmed post-match that the winger missed out due to illness, which has affected several members of the squad in recent days.
“Yeah, he was ill. It’s running through the squad,” Rosenior said. “There were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests.”
Chelsea are hopeful Estêvão will recover quickly and be available for European duty.
Potential return date: 21 January vs Pafos (H)
Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto has now missed all three of Rosenior’s matches in charge.
The full-back is dealing with what the Chelsea boss has described as a “pain issue” and has been training individually at Cobham. There is no fixed timetable for his return, with the decision dependent on when the discomfort subsides.
“I can’t put a time frame on it,” Rosenior explained last week. “When he feels comfortable, that’s when he’ll be back with the group.”
Potential return date: 21 January vs Pafos (H) or 25 January vs Crystal Palace (A)
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo was forced off just before the hour mark against Brentford after receiving treatment for a suspected hamstring issue.
The centre-back walked off unaided and was replaced by Wesley Fofana, a positive sign that the problem may not be serious. Rosenior later described the substitution as precautionary.
“He said he felt something in his hamstring,” Rosenior said. “I don’t know if it’s serious. He said it felt better afterwards.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens also missed the Brentford match due to illness.
Chelsea have taken steps to isolate affected players, and the winger is expected to recover quickly following a short period of rest.
Potential return date: 21 January vs Pafos (H)
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia continues his rehabilitation after another stop-start campaign.
The midfielder has returned to individual work on the grass at Cobham, but remains some distance from full team training. Rosenior has stressed the importance of caution to avoid further setbacks.
“The most important thing is to make sure we don’t push him too hard,” Rosenior said. “When he does come back, we want him back for good.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill remains sidelined after tearing his ACL during pre-season.
The defender is progressing through rehabilitation following surgery and is not expected to feature again this season.
Potential return date: Spring/Summer 2026
Key Insights
- Cole Palmer’s groin issue is Chelsea’s main short-term concern.
- Illness has disrupted squad availability in recent weeks.
- Malo Gusto’s return depends on pain management rather than a set timeline.
- Tosin Adarabioyo’s hamstring issue is being treated cautiously.
- Squad depth will be tested across a demanding run of fixtures.
What’s Next
Chelsea’s Champions League meeting with Pafos will offer early clarity on Palmer and Estêvão’s fitness, while decisions on rotation will be shaped by the short turnaround before Crystal Palace and Napoli. Managing minutes effectively may prove decisive in keeping Chelsea competitive on multiple fronts.
Can Chelsea navigate this injury-hit period and keep momentum alive in Europe and the league, or will fitness issues derail Rosenior’s early progress?
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