Chelsea will face Wolves in the Carabao Cup fourth round but will have some players on the sidelines
Chelsea are back in action this week as they prepare to face Wolves in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The Blues secured a victory over Lincoln City in the previous round of the League Cup to book their place in the last-16 of the tournament. Enzo Maresca’s side will go into the clash against Wolves on the back of a disappointing defeat to Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend.
Chelsea were leading the game thanks to a goal from Alejandro Garnacho, but the Black Cats managed to win the game with goals from Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Talbi.
As a result, Chelsea will be determined to return to winning ways when they take on Wolves in the Carabao Cup, with a place in the quarter-final up for grabs.
However, Maresca will be forced to be without some key players for the clash against Wolves due to injury. Here, football.london takes a look at Chelsea’s current injury list and return dates.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been sidelined for several weeks with a groin injury and is not expected to return until later in the year.
Maresca confirmed earlier this week that he made a “mistake” with his previous update about Palmer’s fitness.
“I was wrong [about Palmer]. Unfortunately he needs to be out for six more weeks,” he said on Friday. “We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit.”
Potential return date: December
Liam Delap
Liam Delap has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that he suffered back in August and was expected to be on the sidelines for several weeks.
Maresca confirmed last week that Delap could be in line to make his return against Wolves.
“Liam took part of the session yesterday with the team for the first time,” said Maresca before Chelsea’s clash against Sunderland. “He is not going to be available for tomorrow but probably for the next one.”
Potential return date: Wolves (A) – October 29
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill is continuing his recovery from an ACL injury that he suffered back in the summer.
The defender underwent surgery and is expected to miss the majority of the season.
Potential return date: Unknown
Benoit Badiashile
Benoit Badiashile is currently sidelined with a muscle injury that has forced the defender to miss Chelsea’s last three matches.
Maresca confirmed earlier this month that he does not expect Badiashile to return until December.
Potential return date: December
Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto missed Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland through suspension after being sent off in the previous Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
The two yellow cards meant that gusto was forced to serve a one-match ban, meaning he is in line to make his return against Wolves on Wednesday.
Potential return date: Wolves (A) – October 29
Dario Essugo
Dario Essugo underwent surgery on a thigh injury back in September and has been on the sidelines ever since.
It remains unclear when Essugo will make his return to full fitness for Chelsea.
Potential return date: Unknown.
