Chelsea continued their strong Premier League resurgence with a 1–0 derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night — a result that lifted Enzo Maresca’s side back into the top four. The win capped off a positive week for the Blues, who were boosted by several key returns after a difficult spell with injuries.
Joao Pedro led the line after missing the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Wolves, while Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez both returned to midfield. Liam Delap was also available again, though suspended following his red card at Molineux.
With several minor knocks cleared up, Chelsea’s remaining absences are limited to longer-term cases. Here’s the latest on every injured player and their potential return dates.
Neto
Enzo Maresca has confirmed Pedro Neto will miss Chelsea’s trip to face Qarabag in the Champions League after he came off with an injury against Spurs.
“[It’s] not a problem, just a small issue. We will try to protect him. He is not involved in tomorrow’s game,” said the Italian.
It is not yet clear how long Neto will be sidelined, but the issue does not appear serious. Whether Maresca risks him before the international break remains to be seen.
Potential return date: November
Cole Palmer
Chelsea’s creative talisman Cole Palmer has endured a frustrating start to the campaign, limited to just four appearances in all competitions due to a persistent groin injury.
Initially expected to return after the October international break, Palmer’s recovery has since been pushed back following a slower-than-anticipated rehabilitation.
Maresca told reporters this month:
“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. We try to protect Cole as much as we can… he looks relaxed, he’s doing all the therapy, so he looks good.” — Enzo Maresca
The good news for fans is that surgery is not required, and Palmer is continuing conservative treatment aimed at a full recovery by winter.
Potential return date: December
Benoit Badiashile
Centre-back Benoit Badiashile’s stop-start season has taken another setback after a muscle problem sidelined him again. The Frenchman had only recently returned to form, impressing against Benfica following an earlier injury suffered at the Club World Cup.
Maresca confirmed last month:
“Benoit will be out until December, injury again. A muscle problem. He was doing fantastic… we’re going to wait for him.” — Enzo Maresca
Potential return date: December
Dario Essugo
Midfielder Dario Essugo remains on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury while representing Portugal Under-21sin September. The 19-year-old was forced to undergo surgery shortly after the setback.
While Chelsea have not provided an official update, reports in Portugal suggest the highly-rated youngster is targeting a return early next year.
Potential return date: January 2026
Levi Colwill
Defender Levi Colwill is ruled out for the majority of the campaign after suffering a ruptured ACL in pre-season. The England international underwent surgery in August and is expected to spend up to a year in recovery.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Our View: Maresca’s Squad Starting to Stabilise
In our view, Enzo Maresca’s cautious management of returning players is beginning to pay off. Chelsea’s squad, ravaged by injuries earlier in the season, now looks far more balanced heading into a key run of fixtures.
The manager’s decision to protect Palmer rather than rush him back could prove wise, especially with Joao Pedro finding form up front and Caicedo regaining fitness. Once Badiashile and Palmer return in December, Chelsea will boast the kind of depth needed to sustain a title challenge into 2026.
Key Insights
- Palmer setback: Groin injury recovery extended six more weeks.
- Badiashile update: Muscle injury keeps him out until December.
- Essugo recovery: Post-surgery rehab ongoing, January 2026 return expected.
- Colwill long-term: ACL rupture rules him out until next summer.
- Maresca’s message: Emphasises caution and patience in recovery timelines.
What’s Next
Chelsea face Qarabag in midweek European action before hosting Wolves at Stamford Bridge next weekend. Maresca is unlikely to risk any of his recovering stars before the November international break, giving time for both Palmer and Badiashile to step up fitness levels.
👉 Chelsea fans — which returning player do you think will make the biggest difference in December: Palmer’s creativity or Badiashile’s composure at the back?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 3 Nov 2025 08:07
Palmer is close, we will need him more than anyone else, we struggle a lot against low block teams and he could force something.
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