Chelsea injury update before Burnley: Cucurella and Palmer latest

Chelsea head into their Premier League return against Burnley on 21 February 2026 with cautious optimism on the injury front, though Marc Cucurella remains a doubt.

Liam Rosenior’s side progressed to the FA Cup fifth round with a 4-0 win over Hull City on 14 February, responding well after conceding a late two-goal lead in the draw with Leeds. The Blues sit fifth in the table, two points above Liverpool and six behind third-placed Aston Villa, and a home fixture against relegation-threatened Burnley offers a chance to steady momentum.

Here is the latest Chelsea injury update and expected return dates.

Cole Palmer was not included in the squad against Hull despite scoring four goals in his previous two appearances. Rosenior confirmed the decision was precautionary and related to workload management rather than injury.

The midfielder is expected to return for the Burnley fixture after a full week of preparation.

Potential return date: 21 February 2026 vs Burnley (H)

Cucurella was forced off at half-time during the draw with Leeds due to a hamstring issue and subsequently missed the cup win over Hull.

Rosenior admitted after the match that the left-back was “not fit” and declined to provide a specific timeframe. Unless he resumes full training this week, the Arsenal match on 1 March 2026 may become a more realistic target.

Potential return date: 1 March 2026 vs Arsenal (A)

Gittens limped off in the win over West Ham and is facing a longer spell out with a hamstring tear.

Rosenior described the injury as a “real shame” and indicated it will be a significant absence, though no precise timeline has been set.

Potential return date: Unknown

Back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen suffered a muscle injury during the Champions League win over Pafos. Although he returned to the bench sooner than expected, he has since missed multiple matchday squads.

Rosenior confirmed he is still not fully fit and continues rehabilitation work.

Potential return date: Unknown

Essugo slipped in training and is expected to be sidelined for over a month. The midfielder had recently been named on the bench for domestic cup fixtures before the setback.

Potential return date: March 2026

Romeo Lavia has been absent since November after suffering a thigh injury against Qarabag. The midfielder has returned to training and is following a detailed reintegration plan.

Rosenior stressed the importance of ensuring Lavia is fully ready before match action resumes, suggesting a return in the coming weeks is realistic.

Potential return date: March 2026

Colwill continues his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained in pre-season. Rosenior indicated the defender is progressing well and could return before the end of the campaign, though no guarantees have been offered.

Potential return date: May 2026

Chelsea host Burnley on 21 February 2026 in a match that could reinforce their hold on fifth place. Updates on Cucurella’s availability are expected in Rosenior’s pre-match briefing.

With Arsenal away on 1 March, squad depth at full-back may again be tested if Cucurella does not recover in time.

Can Chelsea turn injury management into a strength as the run-in approaches?