Chelsea
As per latest injury news, Chelsea will return to Premier League with several important players facing fitness questions. Joao Pedro is the biggest concern, while Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are also working their way back to full fitness. The trio could play a major role for Xabi Alonso once Chelsea resume their campaign.
Chelsea wait for Joao Pedro update
Joao Pedro has not played since suffering a knee problem after his recent appearance for Chelsea. He later pulled out of the Brazil squad after reporting the issue, adding to concerns over his condition. As reported by The Standard, the forward has been working with a knee specialist as he tries to make his recovery quicker. The report suggests that he could face several weeks out, although Chelsea have not given a firm return date.
The timing is frustrating for Alonso. Joao Pedro had been one of Chelsea’s key attacking players. He also helped Chelsea rescue a point against Hull before the injury ruled him out of the 3-0 loss to Brentford. Chelsea will hope the striker can return in October. However, they will not rush him back. His fitness will be checked again before Chelsea decide if he can play against Bournemouth after the international break.
Palmer working towards Chelsea return
Cole Palmer is another concern for Chelsea after he pulled out of England duty. The midfielder had made a strong start to the season. He had six goal involvements in seven games before the latest international break. Palmer has also had a long-term groin problem in the past. Because of this, Chelsea have been careful with his workload. He reportedly spent part of the break getting back to fitness after travelling abroad.
There is some hope that Palmer could return for Chelsea’s home match against Bournemouth on October 10. His availability would give Alonso another key attacking option as the club look to improve their results. The situation has also created tension around Palmer’s England future. As reported by AOL, former England striker Emile Heskey believes Chelsea, England and the Football Association should work together more closely over the midfielder’s fitness.
Heskey questioned why Palmer can play for Chelsea but repeatedly misses international camps. He believes better communication between the club and national team could help manage the player’s physical condition.
Chelsea
Cole Palmer’s Chelsea stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB
:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
Premier League 26 10 1 24
FA Cup 3 0 0 2
EFL Cup 1 0 0 –
Champions League 4 1 2 6
Club World Cup 6 3 2 12
Palmer’s 2026/27 stats for Chelsea, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
Premier League 5 2 2 11
EFL Cup 2 2 0 7
Caicedo still building fitness
Moises Caicedo has had an even more limited role this season. The Ecuador midfielder has played only 14 minutes after a calf problem restricted his involvement, with his brief appearance against Brighton ending in another substitution.
Chelsea kept Caicedo out of Ecuador’s latest squad to give him more time to recover. That decision should allow the midfielder to focus on his rehabilitation instead of adding more minutes to his workload. For Alonso, getting Caicedo back fully fit could be just as important as the return of Palmer and Joao Pedro. He offers energy, defensive cover and ball-winning ability in midfield.
Chelsea now have a short period to assess all three players before their next Premier League fixture. The club will want to avoid further setbacks while also getting key stars back into the team. For now, Joao Pedro remains the main concern, Palmer is working towards a possible return and Caicedo continues to rebuild his fitness. Chelsea will hope all three can soon return to football and strengthen Alonso’s squad.
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