Chelsea face a significant injury headache as they prepare to return from the international break with a tricky Premier League away fixture against Burnley this Saturday. The Blues, currently sitting third in the table, could be without several key players for the 12:30pm kick-off at Turf Moor.
Fitness Battles for Key Attacking Trio
The most pressing concerns surround three of Chelsea's most influential players. Star man Cole Palmer has been sidelined since September with a recurring knee issue, but there is finally positive news. Reports indicate the club and manager Enzo Maresca are increasingly hopeful the 23-year-old England international will be available for next week's Champions League clash with Barcelona.
While a late substitute appearance against Burnley has been mooted, the primary target is his full return against the Spanish giants on November 25.
Fellow winger Pedro Neto is in a race against time after withdrawing from the Portugal squad with a groin injury sustained against his former club Wolves. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his release back to Chelsea for treatment. However, the 25-year-old has since returned to training and is expected to be fit for the trip to face the Clarets.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez presents another doubt. The Argentine international asked to be substituted against Wolves due to a persistent knee problem and subsequently ruled himself out of international duty. Fernandez revealed he has been managing a bone edema for the last four months. The club will assess his condition ahead of the weekend, with his return date currently listed as unknown.
Further Squad Concerns and Long-Term Absentees
The injury issues extend beyond the immediate doubts. Young winger Jamie Gittens limped off while playing for England's Under-21 side, though the knock is not thought to be serious. He is expected to be available for the Burnley match.
Looking further ahead, Chelsea will be without midfielder Romeo Lavia until December due to a thigh injury suffered against Qarabag. Defender Benoit Badiashile is also targeting an early December return from a muscle problem, with Maresca confirming the Frenchman will be out until next month.
The long-term treatment room occupants remain Dario Essugo, who is expected back in January, and defender Levi Colwill, who suffered a devastating ACL injury in August and is not anticipated back until the back end of the 2025/26 season.
What This Means for Maresca's Plans
This growing injury list, partly attributed to the after-effects of the summer's Club World Cup, presents a serious challenge for manager Enzo Maresca. The trip to face a resilient Burnley side, who have rarely been thrashed since their promotion, was already a potential banana skin.
With crucial matches against Barcelona and Arsenal on the horizon, managing the fitness of his squad will be paramount. The potential absence of creative forces like Palmer and Fernandez could force Maresca into tactical adjustments as Chelsea aim to maintain their solid start to the campaign.
