Chelsea take on Barcelona in the Champions League following the international break and Enzo Maresca's side are hoping for a major boost ahead of the clash
09:47, 14 Nov 2025
Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer
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Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer(Image: Getty Images)
The final international break of the year is upon us, offering Chelsea a chance to reflect on their season's progress thus far.
Despite some inconsistency, Enzo Maresca's squad has put in some impressive performances in the Premier League. Currently sitting third in the table, the Blues are hot on the heels of second-placed Manchester City, trailing by just two points after a resounding 3-0 triumph over Wolves in their last match.
Their Champions League form hasn't been as stellar, but it's far from a disaster, with two victories, a draw and a defeat placing them 12th - within the play-off spots - in the league stage of the tournament. After the international break, they'll be heading to Burnley for an away game on 22 November, before hosting Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League three days later.
Here's the latest news from Stamford Bridge.
Injury setback for Chelsea
Pedri of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on September 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
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Pedri is a star performer for Barcelona(Image: Getty)
As the crucial Champions League showdown with Barcelona looms, the Catalans have received a boost with news that injured Pedri could potentially return in time for the match.
Spanish publication AS reports that the midfielder might be back on the pitch two weeks earlier than initially predicted by the club's medical team, reports the Mirror.
Pedri's most recent appearance was in last month's El Clasico defeat, where he was shown a red card in extra time. Post-match examinations revealed that the 22 year old had sustained a hamstring tear.
However, his recovery is reportedly going well, suggesting he could be back in action against Athletic Club after the international break. This would also make him available for selection against Maresca's Chelsea.
This news will likely disappoint Chelsea, considering Pedri's crucial role as Hansi Flick's most potent playmaker and his ability to control games from the midfield.
The report also suggests that injured Barcelona pair Joan García and Raphinha are on track to recover in time for the pivotal Champions League match.
Cole Palmer eyes return
Cole Palmer
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Cole Palmer is continuing his recovery from his groin injury(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea, however, could have their own star player back in time for the big game. Palmer has been sidelined since September, missing the last 11 matches due to a groin issue.
The England international was forced off early during his team's loss at Manchester United on 20th September and hasn't returned to the pitch since. But the Blues are hopeful he'll be fit for selection before the month ends.
According to the Mail, former Man City striker Palmer is eager to participate in such a significant clash and is aiming for this fixture as his comeback game. It's reported that his return to team training is 'fairly close'.
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However, the report also suggests that Chelsea are cautious about rushing their talisman back into action, to avoid exacerbating his injury.
Discussing the intricacies of the injury, Maresca recently told football.london: "We need to protect Cole for sure, 100%. Not only Cole, in my personal view, because, as I said now, because of the Club World Cup or because we never stop."