Latest: Estevao, Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia
Chelsea Football Newsletter
The Blues cruised to a 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, as Estevao starred on a famous night at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side now have their sights on another statement result when they host Arsenal in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
Cole Palmer is closing in on a return after two months out, while Estevao gave Chelsea an injury worry after his brilliant solo goal against Barcelona.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer suffered a setback in his recovery from a groin injury when he fractured his toe in a freak accident at home last week.
The 23-year-old was on the verge of a return after two months out before he stubbed the little toe on his left foot on a door.
Maresca had last week suggested Palmer would not be fit for the Arsenal game.
But Maresca said Palmer is “feeling good” after returning to individual training this week.
Palmer returned to training this week
Palmer’s left boot has been adapted, with more cushioning added to the area around his injured little toe in a bid to speed up his return.
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Speaking on Monday, Maresca said: “We don’t know when, but for sure [he will be back] soon. He’s already on the pitch and touching the ball. The feeling is good.
“The last time I spoke with Cole was yesterday after the session to ask how he was feeling. He was feeling good.”
Potential return date: November 30, 2025 vs Arsenal (h)
Estevao
Chelsea were given an injury scare on Tuesday when Estevao was forced off late in their win over Barcelona.
The 18-year-old Brazilian scored a sensational solo goal but was substituted in the 83rd minute after receiving medical treatment from Chelsea physios.
Estevao did not appear to be limping after the game and conducted an interview with Amazon Prime, which suggests he will be fine for the Arsenal game.
Maresca did not mention any injury after the game.
Potential return date: November 30, 2025 vs Arsenal (h)
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia has been sidelined again by another injury.
Lavia suffered a quad injury four minutes into the 2-2 Champions League draw at Qarabag on December 5 and was ruled out for at least a month.
The midfielder has been prevented from completing a full 90 minutes for Chelsea because of hamstring, thigh and other unspecified injuries.
“We feel a shame for him,” said Maresca. “He's not able to be fit for a long, long period. We will see now.”
Potential return date: December
Dario Essugo
Dario Essugo suffered a thigh injury playing for Portugal Under-21s in September and was forced to undergo surgery. He is not expected to return until early next year.
Potential return date: January
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill is expected to miss the majority of the season with the serious knee injury he suffered in the first training session back after the Club World Cup.
Potential return date: Summer 2026