Chelsea’s injury picture continues to evolve as Chelsea navigate a demanding festive schedule, with some fitness concerns easing but fresh worries emerging under Enzo Maresca.
The Blues welcomed back Estevão and Liam Delap during the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, but that match also brought a new concern after Marc Cucurella was forced off.
With a busy run of fixtures continuing, here is the latest Chelsea injury update and expected return dates.
Marc Cucurella – scan awaited
Cucurella was withdrawn during the Villa defeat after feeling discomfort in his hamstring, immediately raising fears of another muscle issue in Chelsea’s defensive unit.
Maresca confirmed post-match: “He was complaining about his hamstring. We don’t know if it’s an injury now or not. He asked for the change.”
The Spain international is due to undergo scans, placing his availability for Tuesday’s match against Bournemouth in doubt.
Potential return date: Saturday, 4 January vs Manchester City (A)
Dario Essugo – delayed comeback
Dario Essugo has endured a frustrating start to his Chelsea career. A thigh injury picked up in September halted his momentum, and an attempted return to training in November was cut short.
While initially thought to be a recurrence, Maresca later confirmed Essugo is dealing with a separate, minor issue.
“I don’t know. I don’t have information,” Maresca said earlier this month. “I know that he’s better. It’s not the same injury… it’s something small.”
Potential return date: January 2026
Romeo Lavia – uncertainty remains
Romeo Lavia remains sidelined after suffering a muscle problem against Qarabag in the Champions League in early November.
The lack of clarity around his recovery has been concerning. Maresca has been unable to provide any timeline, stressing that the club is still assessing the situation.
“We don't know yet when he can be back,” he admitted.
Since his £53m move from Southampton in 2023, injuries have limited Lavia to just 29 appearances.
Potential return date: Unknown
Levi Colwill – long-term absence
Chelsea are also without Levi Colwill, who suffered a devastating ACL injury shortly after pre-season began at Cobham in August, just days after the club’s Club World Cup triumph.
The centre-back underwent surgery soon after and is expected to miss the majority of the campaign, with rehabilitation continuing into next year.
Potential return date: Spring/Summer 2026
Key insights
- Cucurella is the immediate concern after hamstring discomfort
- Essugo is edging closer but has suffered multiple setbacks
- Lavia’s long-term fitness remains a major worry
- Chelsea’s defensive depth continues to be tested
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea face Bournemouth on Tuesday before travelling to Manchester City on 4 January. Maresca may be forced into further rotation if Cucurella is ruled out, while January could bring cautious reintegration plans for returning midfielders. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about when Chelsea’s injury list will fully clear.
Should Chelsea prioritise squad protection in January, even if it limits short-term results?
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