Chelsea’s injury woes continue to mount ahead of the November international break. After a morale-boosting 3–0 win over Wolves, manager Enzo Maresca was left facing fresh concerns as both Enzo Fernández and Joao Pedro were forced off, adding to an already lengthy absentee list that includes Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.
The Blues have struggled with squad continuity this season, with injuries repeatedly interrupting Maresca’s attempts to build rhythm in his new-look side. Despite their impressive form at Stamford Bridge, the Italian will be anxious for positive news as the club prepares for a critical winter stretch.
Could the break finally bring some relief for the Blues’ growing fitness crisis?
Enzo Fernandez knee injury latest
Vice-captain Enzo Fernández confirmed after Saturday’s win that he has been struggling with a knee issue for several months. The Argentine midfielder asked to be substituted late in the match and has since withdrawn from international duty.
“I will not be available with Argentina. I had a problem with my knee in the last four months. It got worse because we played a lot of games, so I think it’s good to make this decision together.” — Enzo Fernández
According to reports in Argentina, Fernández is suffering from a bone edema — a painful swelling of the bone marrow — which has intensified with match congestion. He will undergo further assessment at Cobham in the coming days.
Potential return date: Unknown
Joao Pedro adds to Chelsea’s growing injury list
Joao Pedro’s persistent groin injury resurfaced again against Wolves, forcing his early withdrawal. Maresca revealed post-match that the Brazilian forward, alongside Fernández and Pedro Neto, all asked to come off due to muscle concerns.
“Joao has been nursing the issue for weeks,” Maresca explained. “We need to see how they are after the assessments.”
The 23-year-old’s absence could deprive Chelsea of one of their most dynamic attackers, with his availability for the next round of fixtures uncertain.
Potential return date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia suffers fresh setback
Romeo Lavia’s nightmare run of injuries continued when he was withdrawn just minutes into the 2–2 draw with Qarabag last week. The Belgian midfielder appeared to pull up clutching his thigh after an off-ball incident.
“It’s painful,” Maresca said on Friday. “We need to do all the checks and then we’ll see.”
Lavia has now played fewer than 30 games since joining Chelsea in 2023, with this latest issue expected to sideline him for several more weeks.
Potential return date: Unknown
Cole Palmer still weeks away
Chelsea’s talisman Cole Palmer remains out with a lingering groin problem that has restricted him to just four appearances this season. Maresca admitted his previous recovery timeline was overly optimistic, with the forward now not expected back until mid-December.
“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. The medical staff are not magicians; it’s something we need to see step by step.” — Enzo Maresca
Palmer is continuing rehabilitation at Cobham and has not required surgery, though the club will avoid rushing him back given his importance to the attack.
Potential return date: December 2025
Other Chelsea injuries
- Benoît Badiashile – Muscle problem; out until December.
- Dário Essugo – Thigh surgery; expected back January 2026.
- Levi Colwill – ACL injury in pre-season; out until Summer 2026.
Chelsea injury summary (as of 9 November 2025)
| Player | Injury | Potential Return |
|---|---|---|
| Enzo Fernández | Knee (bone edema) | Unknown |
| Joao Pedro | Groin | Unknown |
| Romeo Lavia | Thigh | Unknown |
| Cole Palmer | Groin | December 2025 |
| Benoît Badiashile | Muscle | December 2025 |
| Dário Essugo | Thigh (post-surgery) | January 2026 |
| Levi Colwill | ACL | Summer 2026 |
source: Chelsea press conference & medical reports – 9 November 2025
Analyst Verdict: Maresca’s momentum under threat
FootballPlace believes Chelsea’s injury crisis could seriously undermine their top-four push. “Maresca’s side is playing their best football of the season, but losing both Fernández and Joao Pedro in one match is a serious setback,” he said.
“Palmer’s creativity has been missed for weeks, and without him, Chelsea’s attack relies too heavily on Enzo and Joao Pedro. The question is whether they can maintain consistency until the injured stars return.”
Key Insights
- Enzo Fernández withdraws from Argentina duty with a knee issue.
- Joao Pedro’s groin injury resurfaces; timeline unclear.
- Cole Palmer out until mid-December after revised recovery plan.
- Romeo Lavia’s thigh injury adds to Chelsea’s growing list.
- Badiashile, Essugo, and Colwill remain long-term absentees.
What’s Next for the Blues?
Chelsea’s medical team will reassess Fernández and Joao Pedro this week at Cobham, with updated timelines expected before the end of the international break. The Blues return to Premier League action later this month against Burnley and Arsenal,, before facing a crucial Champions League tie against Barcelona.
Maresca will hope that by December, key names like Palmer and Badiashile will rejoin the squad — just in time for the hectic festive schedule.
👉 Can Chelsea stay in the top-four race despite yet another injury setback?
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