Chelsea are going through a tough phase as Palmer and Lavia are both injured and are likely to miss their next game. It would be a big concern for Liam Rosenior, as Palmer is one of the best players on the team so far. Palmer gives a huge depth both in the midfield and in the attacking third. It would be interesting to see how the coach plans to play without them.
Liam Rosenior’s side sits fifth, two points clear of Liverpool and six behind Aston Villa in third. A rare free week, afforded by avoiding a Champions League knockout phase playoff, has allowed the manager to recalibrate. The visit of Burnley now looms as an opportunity to consolidate position.
It also sharpens focus on the latest Chelsea injury. As per the reports Cole Palmer’s absence against Hull prompted questions. Four goals in his previous two appearances suggested he would start. Instead, he was omitted entirely, a decision framed by workload rather than setback. “Managing him,” Rosenior said. “Brilliant to see Reece James back on the pitch. Brilliant for him to get those 60 minutes. “I was planning on giving Enzo [Fernandez] 45 minutes with Moi Caicedo.”
“I’m trying to manage their minutes. In the end, I felt it was right for Moi to stay on for 60. “I’m delighted they’ve all come through unscathed, and now, for the first time in a long time, they’ve got a full week to prepare for Burnley.” There was no hint of concern. Palmer is expected to return for Burnley at Stamford Bridge. His form has been instrumental in Chelsea’s attacking fluency.”
Cucurella’s presence for Chelsea is also in doubt with Palmer.
Marc Cucurella’s situation carries more ambiguity. The left back was forced off at halftime against Leeds with a hamstring complaint and missed the win over Hull. In a side where continuity has been elusive, his reliability has been valued. Rosenior’s assessment was measured. “At the moment he’s not fit. There is an issue with his hamstring.
“I don’t know; I can’t give you a time frame on that at the moment.” Unless Cucurella returns to full training, Burnley may come too soon. The Arsenal fixture a week later appears a more realistic target. Given Chelsea’s ambitions, managing muscle injuries carefully is imperative. Jamie Gittens presents a more significant absence. The winger limped off against West Ham and is facing a prolonged spell out with a tear in his hamstring.
“Jamie is looking a little bit more long-term,” Rosenior said. “That’s a real shame for him, as, obviously, I’ve not worked with him for too long, but I know about his career and what an outstanding player he is. “So that’s going to be a big miss for us.”
"On Cucurella's injury, If he misses Arsenal & Villa, which I expect him to at this stage, particularly if it's going against Chelsea, it'll be interesting how the team reacts without a Cucurella because I think he is a momentum shifter."
🔗 Matt Law – Telegraph#CFC | #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/XmY8dRu7PA
— Chelseafc news 💙 💙 (@Jolly775998) February 17, 2026
Lavia’s update
Romeo Lavia’s rehabilitation offers cautious encouragement. Sidelined since a thigh injury sustained in the 2-2 draw away at Qarabag in November, he has returned to training. “We have a really detailed plan for him,” Rosenior explained before the Leeds draw. “He was back on the training pitch with us the last two days. “It’s been great to see him. He’s been such a great player. We all know that. But what we have to do is make sure that when he’s back, he’s back for good. “So we’re just making sure that he gets the right plan over the next ten days to two weeks to achieve that.”
March is the projected timeframe. Lavia’s composure in midfield has been missed, particularly in controlling tempo in tight contests. Levi Colwill continues to recover from a serious knee injury sustained in preseason. Rosenior remains cautious but optimistic.
Author’s insight
From the author’s point of view, the situation is very concerning for the coach. Although the fans believe that their coach will definitely find a way to overcome this situation.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
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