The latest Chelsea injury news as Xabi Alonso’s side prepare to face Bournemouth in the Premier League
Chelsea are finally back in Premier League action this weekend, when they take on Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Top tier football in England has been at a standstill for the past three weeks, with the international break taking centre stage amid a largely encouraging set of results for Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions side.
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The Blues went into the international break in bleak circumstances, as they made it three league games without a win after suffering a 3-0 defeat away to Brentford. As things stand, Xabi Alonso’s side are 10th in the table after five games, and will be eager to sort out the dire defending that has blighted the early stages of their 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Heading into the weekend, Chelsea have a number of injury concerns to contend with, after seeing a host of players become unavailable for the past three weeks of international football. Here is the latest Chelsea injury news update and potential return dates as the Blues prepare to take on Bournemouth this Saturday.
Will Cole Palmer play against Bournemouth?
Cole Palmer was heavily criticised for pulling out of England duty for the three-week international breakplaceholder image
Cole Palmer was heavily criticised for pulling out of England duty for the three-week international break | Getty Images
Cole Palmer’s withdrawal from England’s Nations League squad drew criticism from fans, pundits and even a barbed comment or two from Tuchel. The ex-Man City gem spent much of last season struggling with injuries and fitness problems, after being worked relentlessly during the lengthy 2024/25 campaign. The 24-year-old is currently out with muscular fatigue, but is expected to be ready to go again against Bournemouth.
Reece James picked up another hamstring injury just before the international break, which saw him miss the fateful trip to Brentford. With three weeks to recover, it’s hoped he’ll be back to play Bournemouth. It’s also good news regarding summer signing Marco Palestra, who should also feature against the Cherries after finally overcoming a muscular injury.
Backup goalkeeper Mike Penders had an injury scare while away on international duty with Belgium, after he damaged a quadricep during a training session. He looks to have overcome the setback, however, and is set to take his place on the bench when Bournemouth come to town on Saturday.
When will Joao Pedro be back from injury?
Joao Pedro has scored three goals and made three assists in the Premier League so far this seasonplaceholder image
Joao Pedro has scored three goals and made three assists in the Premier League so far this season | Getty Images
After cruelly missing out on a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad - despite their clear lack of goalscoring talent at the top of the pitch - Joao Pedro’s luck was out again when he suffered a knee injury just as he was recalled for the international team. He missed the game against Brentford with the knock. He’s unlikely to be back for Bournemouth, and may have to wait until the side play Spurs on 24th October to make his comeback.
Meanwhile, star midfielder Moises Caicedo should finally be back in action this weekend, after missing almost all the season so far due to a calf injury. The Ecuador international was in contention to play against Brentford, but Alonso chose not to take the risk and will have been relieved when his key player wasn’t called up for international duty either.
Elsewhere, fringe players Emmanuel Emegha and Jamie Gittens have experienced mixed fortunes during the international break. The former has recovered from a hamstring injury and could feature on Saturday, while the latter is out for an unspecified period of time after suffering an ankle injury while away on duty with the England U21 side.
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