Chelsea are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel on the injury front as the festive period approaches, though several key players remain sidelined ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
The Blues are still monitoring the fitness of teenage winger Estevão, while recent signing Liam Delap has joined a growing list of absentees that includes Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill.
With Enzo Maresca’s side preparing for key Premier League fixtures after Christmas, here is the latest Chelsea injury update, including expected return dates.
Estevão – race against time for Villa clash
Estevão has missed Chelsea’s last two matches — a league win at Cardiff and a dramatic draw at Newcastle — due to what Maresca described as a “small muscle problem”.
The Brazilian teenager was also absent from Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Cardiff, and his manager has confirmed he will not be risked this weekend.
“He had a small problem, it was a muscle problem,” Maresca explained.
“He won’t be available for Newcastle and we will see for the next one.”
Chelsea are hopeful the issue is minor, but Estevão now faces a race to be fit for the first game after Christmas.
Potential return date: Aston Villa (H), December 27
Liam Delap – shoulder injury blow
Delap is set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury earlier this month against Bournemouth.
The striker was forced off just 31 minutes into a goalless draw after Cherries defender Marcos Senesi landed awkwardly on him. Initial assessments suggested the injury was not as severe as first feared, but Maresca has admitted uncertainty remains.
“We don’t know yet,” the Chelsea boss said.
“It can be two, three, four weeks. We don’t know exactly how many days he needs.”
Potential return date: Early January 2026
Dário Essugo – separate setback confirmed
Dário Essugo is not expected back before the end of the year after enduring a disrupted start to his Chelsea career.
The summer signing initially struggled with a thigh problem suffered in September, and after returning to training in November, he picked up what was initially feared to be a setback. Maresca has since clarified that it is a separate, less serious issue.
“It’s not the same injury,” Maresca said.
“It’s something small and it will be a short time.”
Potential return date: January 2026
Romeo Lavia – familiar uncertainty
Injury frustration continues for Romeo Lavia, whose latest setback occurred during Chelsea’s Champions League match against Qarabag on November 5.
Maresca has been unable to offer clarity on the Belgian’s recovery timeline.
“It’s a muscle problem,” he said earlier this month.
“We don’t know yet when he can be back.”
Since his £53m move from Southampton in 2023, injuries have limited Lavia to just 29 appearances — a worrying trend for both club and player.
Potential return date: Unknown
Levi Colwill – long-term ACL absence
Levi Colwill remains Chelsea’s longest-term absentee after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury shortly after pre-season began in August.
The setback came just days after Colwill helped Chelsea lift the Club World Cup, making it particularly cruel in a World Cup year. Surgery was carried out soon after, with a lengthy rehabilitation process underway.
Potential return date: Spring / summer 2026
Key insights
- Estevão could return against Aston Villa after a muscle issue
- Liam Delap faces weeks out with a shoulder injury
- Romeo Lavia’s return date remains unclear
- Dário Essugo is expected back in January
- Levi Colwill will miss most of the season with an ACL injury
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture comes at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 27, when they host Aston Villa. With several players edging closer to a return and others still unavailable, Maresca will be hoping his squad depth can carry them through a crucial festive period.
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