Chelsea and Crystal Palace clash in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.placeholder image
Chelsea and Crystal Palace clash in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
The early injury news for both sides as Chelsea and Crystal Palace prepare to clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday
Chelsea and Crystal Palace clash at Stamford Bridge in the first London derby of the new Premier League season as both sides look to make the perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign.
The return of the Premier League is almost upon us and there is a lot to look forward to in the new season, though Chelsea and Crystal Palace have had to contend with very different summers following trophy success at the end of last term.
Chelsea injury updates ahead of Crystal Palace fixture
Trevoh Chalobah - fit: Despite hobbling off during Chelsea’s pre-season victory against AC Milan, Enzo Maresca confirmed after the game that the injury to Trevoh Chalobah was not as bad as was feared. Chalobah is therefore expected to return to action against former club Palace. Maresca said: “[Chalobah] is ok. It was too hot, so he decided to go out.”
Romeo Lavia - out: It has been a tough couple of years with injuries for Romeo Lavia. The midfielder remains out after sustaining a muscle injury in the Club World Cup and it is not yet known when he will return to action.
Wesley Fofana - fit: Maresca has also confirmed that French defender Wesley Fofana will be fit for selection against the Eagles. Like Lavia, he has endured several injury issues at Stamford Bridge, most recently a thigh injury. Maresca said: “He will be available for Palace. We are very happy because he is an important player.”
Levi Colwill - out: Levi Colwill had surgery last week on an ACL injury sustained in training and is expected to be out for several months, potentially returning in spring 2026.
Benoit Badiashile - out: Chelsea have had central defensive worries this summer with Benoit Badiashile another who remains out after picking up a knock during the Club World Cup. He is reported to be in training but is not expected back in action until September.
Crystal Palace injury news ahead of opening day
Daichi Kamada - out: Crystal Palace were dealt an injury blow in the Community Shield on Sunday when midfielder Daichi Kamada picked up an injury which saw him replaced in the first half. Oliver Glasner said: “We might miss Daichi Kamada - who got injured today - at Chelsea next week and it's times like this where we will assess our targets and find the right players."
Cheick Doucoure - out: Glasner recently confirmed to the official club website that Cheick Doucoure is still out ahead of the new season due to a knee issue. The Austrian said Doucoure is aiming to return in October or November.
Eddie Nketiah - out: Forward Eddie Nketiah has picked up a hamstring injury over pre-season and may also be out injured for two to three months. His manager confirmed an eight-week lay-off in addition to a few extra weeks to recover in training due to the former Arsenal striker missing pre-season.
Chadi Riad - out: Former Barcelona defender Chadi Riad has spent a long period on the sidelines with an ACL injury and is expected back in October or November.
Matheus Franca - out: Young Brazilian forward Matheus Franca has picked up an adductor injury following groin issues last season. He could be back before the end of the month, though he also missed the entirety of pre-season.
Caleb Kporha - out: Teenage full-back Caleb Kporha has a back injury and his return date is not yet known.
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