Chelsea injury news as Enzo Maresca gives an update on his side's availability for the Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday
09:53, 24 Dec 2025Updated 10:11, 24 Dec 2025
Cole Palmer during a Chelsea game
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Cole Palmer is ready to play 90 minutes for Chelsea(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca has revealed that both Estevao and Liam Delap are available to face Aston Villa. The Chelsea boss has also confirmed that Cole Palmer is ready to play a full 90 minutes if required.
Palmer played 79 minutes against Newcastle United last weekend on his way back to full fitness. Following Maresca's comments that he is unable to play twice in a week, this update is a big boost.
He had also admitted that Chelsea's talisman was still experiencing pain in his groin with his minutes being managed carefully as such.
As for the other injury problems, Estevao had missed Chelsea's last two games with a minor issue while Delap has been absent since early December.
It looked to be a serious shoulder injury for the latter but his upcoming return has shown it was not as bad as first feared.
Dario Essugo has also returned to training after undergoing surgery a few months ago while Romeo Lavia is still unavailable after suffering a fresh muscular issue against Qarabag in the Champions League.
Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee as he continues to recover from an ACL rupture suffered during pre-season.
Following the comeback draw at St James Park, nine of Chelsea's next 10 fixtures in all competitions are in London. The Blues close out 2025 at home to Villa and Bournemouth, with the latter potentially being Antoine Semenyo's last appearance for the club.
An enquiry from Chelsea for a potential January move was made on Monday, but those at the helm swiftly deciding against pursuing a move at this point, with the club believing in the attackers they have at their disposal, football.london understands.
Maresca also refused to comment on the decision not to sign Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo in Bournemouth training
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Chelsea will not be signing Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
He said: "I'm focused on Aston Villa. Not on players who can arrive and leave. I'm in love with the squad we have."
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Following the Cherries' visit to west London, Chelsea travel to Manchester City for their only game outside of London until January 28, 2026.
Two away games do follow that trip to Etihad Stadium but are against Fulham in the Premier League and Charlton in the FA Cup.
Maresca's side then host Arsenal, Brentford and Pafos in three different competitions before facing Crystal Palace on their patch. Chelsea conclude January up against Antonio Conte's Napoli.