Chelsea injury news: Enzo Fernández latest concern with Palmer, Caicedo updates

Chelsea’s October international break has brought little relief for Enzo Maresca, as his injury list remains one of the longest in the Premier League.

While the Blues managed to rest several stars over the break, they also picked up fresh concerns — with midfield anchor Enzo Fernández the latest to suffer a setback.

The Argentine returned early from international duty with inflammation in his right knee after playing 78 minutes in Argentina’s friendly win over Venezuela. He will now undergo further assessment at Cobham to determine the extent of the issue.

Below is a full breakdown of Chelsea’s current injury situation and potential return dates.

Fernández’s withdrawal from Argentina duty has shifted Chelsea’s injury worries from defence to midfield. The World Cup winner is being assessed after returning to London with swelling in his right knee.

Potential return date: Unknown

Chelsea’s captain pulled out of the England squad as a precaution after picking up a minor injury in the 2-1 win over Liverpool. The issue is understood to be minor, and he’s expected to feature against Nottingham Forest.

Potential return date: October 18 – vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Palmer continues to recover from a “chronic” groin problem and could remain sidelined into November. Chelsea are taking no risks with their talisman, who may miss key games against Ajax and Wolves.

Potential return date: November

The Ecuador international sat out his national team’s friendlies due to a lingering knock. His injury is not considered serious, and he’s targeting a return for the trip to Nottingham Forest.

Potential return date: October 18 – vs Nottingham Forest (A)

After returning from a long layoff, Badiashile picked up a minor issue against Liverpool. Assistant coach Willy Caballero confirmed the substitution was precautionary.

Potential return date: October 18 – vs Nottingham Forest (A)

The Brazilian forward has been playing through discomfort and wasn’t called up for international duty. He’s expected to return for Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures if recovery continues smoothly.

Potential return date: October 18 – vs Nottingham Forest (A)

The young midfielder has missed recent weeks with a knock and was left out of Brazil’s squad. Chelsea have not provided a timeline, but his absence is not believed to be long-term.

Potential return date: Unknown

The French defender has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion in the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln. He has completed recovery protocols and is set to return this weekend.

Potential return date: October 18 – vs Nottingham Forest (A)

The summer signing suffered a small calf injury before the break but is expected to be available for selection this weekend.

Potential return date: October 18 – vs Nottingham Forest (A)

The young midfielder remains out after thigh surgery in September. He’s expected to be unavailable until early 2026.

Potential return date: Early 2026

Delap is still recovering from a torn hamstring sustained in training. The injury is likely to keep him out until the new year.

Potential return date: Unknown

The England defender underwent ACL surgery in pre-season and is not expected to return before late spring.

Potential return date: Spring 2026

In my view, Chelsea’s injury situation remains the biggest obstacle to Maresca’s early progress. The constant reshuffling has disrupted rhythm, particularly in midfield, where Fernández, Caicedo, and Palmer’s absences have forced tactical compromises.

We believe that while short-term returns will help stabilise results, the club’s long-term challenge will be managing recurring fitness issues that continue to derail momentum.

Chelsea return to action against Nottingham Forest this weekend, hoping to stabilise form despite mounting injuries. Maresca will likely rotate heavily again, with Reece James and Caicedo expected to return but doubts lingering over Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer.

👉 Which Chelsea player’s return do you think will make the biggest impact — Enzo, Palmer, or Caicedo?