Chelsea’s injury list continues to grow as Enzo Maresca prepares his side for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round trip to Lincoln City. The Blues suffered back-to-back defeats against Bayern Munich and Manchester United last week, and their squad is now being stretched even further with several key players unavailable.
With goalkeeper Robert Sánchez suspended after his red card at Old Trafford, attention has turned to further injury problems that could impact Chelsea’s rotation. Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and summer signing Liam Delap are among those most closely monitored, while long-term absentees like Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo face extended rehabilitation spells.
Here’s the latest Chelsea injury news and expected return dates:
Cole Palmer injury latest
Palmer lasted just 20 minutes in the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United before being withdrawn with a groin issue. Maresca admitted afterwards that the 22-year-old was not fully fit and had insisted on testing himself pre-match.
“He tried this morning. He was not 100 per cent fit. He made a fantastic effort to play this game, but then after 20 minutes he started to feel something, so we decided to change it.” — Enzo Maresca
Palmer has struggled with recurring groin problems since late August. His return date is uncertain, but he is not expected to feature against Lincoln.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana fitness check
The French defender requested to be substituted in the second half at Old Trafford due to fatigue after a long period out. Maresca clarified the change was precautionary, not injury-related. Fofana is available for Lincoln but could be rested.
Potential return date: September 23, 2025 (vs Lincoln, A)
Dario Essugo long-term setback
The £18.5m summer signing suffered a thigh injury while on Portugal U21 duty. Following surgery, he is expected to miss at least three months. Chelsea anticipate he may not return until 2026.
Potential return date: Early 2026
Liam Delap hamstring blow
Delap pulled up after 15 minutes against Fulham with a hamstring problem. Initial estimates suggested six to eight weeks out, but scans could show longer. Chelsea fear his absence may stretch beyond November.
Potential return date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia recovery
The Belgian midfielder has not played since June’s Club World Cup clash with Benfica due to a muscle issue. Progress is being made, and Chelsea expect him back in October.
Potential return date: October 2025
Benoît Badiashile nearing return
Like Lavia, Badiashile has not featured since the Club World Cup. He is back in training and could return in October. His comeback will be crucial given defensive injuries elsewhere.
Potential return date: October 2025
Levi Colwill long-term absence
Colwill suffered an ACL injury in training over the summer and has undergone surgery. He will miss most of the season and is unlikely to return until late spring 2026.
Potential return date: Spring 2026
| Player | Issue | Potential Return |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Palmer | Groin injury | Unknown |
| Wesley Fofana | Fatigue | 23 Sept vs Lincoln |
| Dario Essugo | Thigh surgery | Early 2026 |
| Liam Delap | Hamstring | Unknown |
| Romeo Lavia | Muscle issue | October 2025 |
| Benoît Badiashile | Muscle issue | October 2025 |
| Levi Colwill | ACL surgery | Spring 2026 |
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says Chelsea’s mounting injuries could disrupt Maresca’s early momentum. “Palmer’s absence is the most worrying — his creativity is vital in unlocking low blocks. Delap’s hamstring issue also leaves them short of natural strikers, while Colwill’s ACL injury has stretched defensive depth. The return of Fofana, Badiashile and Lavia in the next month will be critical if Chelsea want to stay competitive in multiple competitions.”
Key insights
- Cole Palmer’s recurring groin problem keeps him sidelined with no set return.
- Wesley Fofana expected back against Lincoln but may be rested.
- Liam Delap faces an indefinite spell out with hamstring trouble.
- Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile could return in October.
- Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are long-term absentees.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea visit League One Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 23 September, with Robert Sánchez suspended and several first-team stars unavailable. Maresca may turn to youth and squad depth to avoid an upset.
They then return to Premier League duty with Brighton at home on Saturday, 27 September. Injuries and suspensions make these games tricky, but positive results would steady the mood after a frustrating run of three matches without a win.
👉 Which injured Chelsea star do you think the team misses most right now — Palmer’s creativity, Colwill’s defensive leadership, or Delap’s energy up front?
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