Chelsea injury latest including updates on Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burnley
Chelsea are back in Premier League action this weekend ahead of what could be a crucial few days for the London club.
They face an away trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley in the early kick-off on Saturday afternoon, before tricky tests against Barcelona and London rivals Arsenal next week. Enzo Maresca ‘s side are currently third in the standings with 11 games played but will be determined to keep pace as the winter fixture schedule approaches.
Key to maintaining form will be keeping a fully fit squad – or as close to that as possible. Maresca has had to navigate a number of injuries so far this term, including to talisman Cole Palmer, summer signing Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill.
The Chelsea boss issued a squad update on Friday morning ahead of the meeting with Burnley, so football.london brings you a round-up of the latest.
Cole Palmer
The most frustrating update from Maresca’s press conference is that Palmer has once again suffered a setback. Chelsea have been without the 23-year-old for most of the season due to a groin problem, meaning he has made just three Premier League appearances so far.
But now, a freak accident at home is keeping him sidelined for at least another week. He will miss their next three games as he continues his recovery.
What Maresca has said: “He is probably not available for tomorrow, for sure, Barcelona, for sure, Arsenal, for sure. Unfortunately he had an accident at home with his toe.
“But it’s nothing important. For sure he is not back next week. He was almost back from the groin [injury], but now he has this small problem.”
Potential return date: Leeds United (A) – Wednesday, December 3
Moises Caicedo
Midfielder Moises Caicedo has been one of Chelsea’s most integral players this season. However, he had an intense international break with Ecuador, playing 90 minutes in both fixtures against Canada and New Zealand.
He arrived back in the UK on Thursday, meaning the manager is yet to speak with the 24-year-old. It is not yet clear whether he will be rested for the trip to Burnley given the early kick-off time.
What Maresca has said: “Moi [Caicedo] came back last night, I will see him soon. He is good.”
Potential return date: Burnley (A) – Saturday, November 22 or Barcelona (H) – Tuesday, November 25
Pedro Neto
Prior to the international break, winger Pedro Neto was forced off late in the win over Wolves with an apparent groin problem. As a result, he withdrew from international duty with Portugal and missed their World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Armenia.
Instead, he spent the break in England to continue his recovery. It appears to have done him the world of good, as he’s set to make a return this weekend.
What Maresca has said: “Enzo [Fernandez] and Pedro [Neto] used the break to recover their energy and their injuries. They are both available for tomorrow.”
Potential return date: Burnley (A) – Saturday, November 22
Enzo Fernandez
Much like Neto, midfielder Enzo Fernandez was also substituted in the win over Wolves with an issue. The 24-year-old asked to come off due to an apparent knee injury, before ruling himself out of international duty with Argentina.
He also spent the international break recovering and is expected to be available again for the trip to Burnley this weekend, representing a major boost for the Chelsea boss.
What Maresca has said: “Enzo [Fernandez] and Pedro [Neto] used the break to recover their energy and their injuries. They are both available for tomorrow.”
Potential return date: Burnley (A) – Saturday, November 22
Benoit Badiashile
It has been a frustrating season so far for defender Benoit Badiashile. He has been in and out of the team with injury concerns and has missed the last seven games with a problem.
Initially, Maresca indicated the Frenchman would be out until December with a muscular issue. However, his update on Friday morning strongly suggests he is ahead of schedule.
What Maresca has said: “Benoit [Badiashile] can be available for tomorrow.”
Potential return date: Burnley (A) – Saturday, November 22
Romeo Lavia
After an injury-plagued first two seasons at Chelsea, it appears Romeo Lavia ‘s problems have not subsided. In the Champions League meeting with Qarabag at the beginning of this month, the midfielder lasted just minutes before being forced off with a thigh problem.
He was initially ruled out for at least a month, which keeps him sidelined for this crucial run of games against Burnley, Barcelona and Arsenal.
What Maresca has said: “We don’t have an update at the moment. We need to wait still some hours to do all the checks he needs. For sure, he has an injury. It’s a shame because we are trying to minimise minutes for him, even with that, he is injured again. But we need to persist until we find the right solution for him.”
Potential return date: Leeds United (A) – Wednesday, December 3
Levi Colwill
Chelsea’s long-term absentee remains defender Colwill. The centre-back suffered a devastating ACL injury in the first training session of pre-season back in August.
He had successful surgery but is still expected to be sidelined for the majority of the current season.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
