Chelsea injury update: Sanchez, Neto and Garnacho latest before Liverpool

Chelsea’s Premier League form has collapsed at the worst possible moment, and now fresh injury concerns have only added to the pressure.

Chelsea head to Anfield this weekend looking to stop a six-game losing run in the league, but their preparations for facing Liverpool have been disrupted by new fitness issues following the 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

That result left Chelsea down in ninth, with their hopes of a top-five finish now hanging by a thread.

Champions League qualification is still mathematically possible, but only just. And with the FA Cup final still to come, managing the squad carefully has become even more important.

The biggest immediate concern centres around goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

Sanchez was forced off shortly after the hour mark at Stamford Bridge following a collision with Morgan Gibbs-White.

The incident immediately raised concerns over concussion. That concern has not disappeared.

Although Chelsea’s medical staff did not activate formal Premier League concussion protocols during the match, Sanchez will still undergo further assessment under FA return-to-play guidelines before being cleared.

That process matters. Head injuries are treated cautiously, and clubs rarely take unnecessary risks. At this stage, Chelsea are still waiting for the results of those checks. That leaves his availability for Liverpool uncertain.

Potential return date: Unknown

Pedro Neto was a surprise absentee against Forest after playing a key role in Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United.

The winger picked up a knock before the game and was left out as a precaution.

The early signs are positive. Chelsea do not expect the issue to keep him out long, and there is optimism he will be ready for Anfield. That would be important.

Based on recent matches we’ve covered, Neto has been one of Chelsea’s few reliable attacking outlets during a difficult league run.

His directness and creativity have been badly needed.

Potential return date: Liverpool (A), 9 May 2026

Alejandro Garnacho missed the Forest defeat with a training knock.

Chelsea head coach McFarlane confirmed the injury is not considered serious, and the expectation inside the club is that he will recover quickly.

That gives Chelsea some much-needed attacking relief.

Garnacho has added energy and unpredictability in recent weeks, particularly in transition moments where Chelsea have struggled to create.

Like Neto, the expectation is positive.

Potential return date: Liverpool (A), 9 May 2026

There is worse news for Estevão.

The Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury against Manchester United and has now been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

That is a major setback.

He had only recently returned from a previous issue and was beginning to build momentum again.

McFarlane confirmed the club will now focus on his recovery rather than rushing him back.

There are also concerns over his availability for international football this summer.

Potential return date: Unknown

Reece James is back in full training and could return against Liverpool after being an unused substitute last time out.

That timing is important with the FA Cup final approaching.

Meanwhile, Levi Colwill made his comeback against Forest and completed the second half without issue.

That strengthens Chelsea defensively.

Having followed Chelsea closely this season, James’ return in particular changes the team structurally because of his leadership and ability to control games from wide areas.

However, much will depend on his match sharpness.

Chelsea’s trip to Liverpool now feels like a defining game.

Another defeat would deepen the league crisis, even with the FA Cup final still to come. McFarlane will hope to recover Neto, Garnacho and possibly Sanchez before then, while James could be reintroduced to build rhythm.

Squad availability may shape the outcome.

And Chelsea need a response quickly.