Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is eagerly awaiting the return of some of his injured players during the September international break, having had to make do without a full squad for the season's first three matches. After securing victories against West Ham United and Fulham, the Blues are gearing up to continue their strong start to the season when they resume play next week.
Maresca's side face a busy schedule with seven matches across three competitions following the international break before the next one. This includes challenging fixtures against Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Liverpool. Chelsea will be hoping to see a reduction in their injury list by the time they head to Brentford on 13th September (8pm kick-off).
With that in mind, here is the latest injury updates from Stamford Bridge....
Cole Palmer
Palmer featured in the season opener against Crystal Palace and was slated to play against West Ham. However, the England international had to withdraw from the squad after suffering a groin injury during the warm-up.
Maresca later revealed that Palmer had played through the issue on the opening weekend. Consequently, the forward has been left out of the latest England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Possible return date: September
Liam Delap
The summer acquisition has become Chelsea's latest injury concern after being withdrawn during the 2-0 victory against Fulham. Delap instantly clutched his right hamstring following a sprint to chase an early through ball.
Maresca subsequently confirmed that the English forward would be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Nevertheless, reports suggest that Delap's absence could extend beyond initial expectations.
Possible return date: Unknown
What Maresca has said: "Liam's injury doesn't look good in terms of, he was full speed, hamstring, so that required, like always, weeks.
"And then in terms of another striker, to be honest, we just finished the game from the changing room and came here for the press conference, so now after, when we finish, we're going to sit and we'll see if we take any decision. That's all."
Romeo Lavia
Lavia's fitness woes in west London have prevented him from establishing a consistent run in the squad. The midfielder has remained absent since the Club World Cup triumph over Benfica owing to a muscular complaint.
Maresca indicated prior to last weekend's victory that he anticipated the Belgian would be nearer to a comeback following this month's international fixtures. Nevertheless, he won't return immediately with Chelsea planning to gradually rebuild his match sharpness.
Possible return date: September/October
What Maresca has said: "I'm always worried but with Romeo and Benoit, because it is a long time out, it is normal they need time. It's the same what we're doing with Wes [Fofana].
"Romeo and Benoit, I don't think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer."
Benoit Badiashile
Similar to Lavia, Badiashile has been absent from the beginning of the campaign following an issue sustained during the victory against Benfica.
With Levi Colwill's anterior cruciate ligament setback, the Blues are in need of the ex-AS Monaco centre-back's return.
The central defender is expected to make his comeback following the international break.
Possible return date: September/October.
What Maresca has said: "I'm always worried but with Romeo and Benoit, because it is a long time out, it is normal they need time. It's the same what we're doing with Wes [Fofana].
"Romeo and Benoit, I don't think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer."