Chelsea injury latest and return dates heading as Enzo Maresca handed 3 fresh concerns

Chelsea’s draw with Arsenal leaves them in good shape heading into the final international break of the calendar year. The Blues may be nine points off leaders Liverpool, but they are third in the Premier League table and on course to meet their ambitious pre-season goal of returning to the Champions League in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge.

Games against Leicester City and Aston Villa await on the other side of the break, but in the meantime, we have checked in on the injury latest at Stamford Bridge heading into the break.

Jadon Sancho

Sancho missed the Arsenal clash with illness but will return after the break. Maresca said before that draw with the Gunners: “He is recovering from [illness]. He had a knock in the session. He is out for tomorrow, and we will see if he is available [this weekend] or after the international break.”

Possible return date: November 23 vs Leicester City

Omari Kellyman

Kellyman suffered a significant hamstring injury early in the season that prevented him from making any kind of impact in his early days with the Blues. The good news is that reports suggest Kellyman will make his return after the break, though it’s unclear whether he will be fully ready to play and whether Chelsea will have him playing with the youngsters to get minutes in his legs before considering the former Vila man for first team action.

Possible return date: November 23 vs Leicester City

Cole Palmer

Palmer played against Arsenal but was battling an injury heading into that one. Maresca said before the game: “Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn't mean he is completely fit. 'He is getting better, and we still have two days to prepare for the game. Hopefully, we can have him for a session - at least on Saturday - and then we take a decision.” Palmer has since withdrawn from the England squad, suggesting he needs time to recover properly.

Possible return date: November 23 vs Leicester City

Levi Colwill

Colwill is another who has withdrawn from the England squad after playing over the weekend. His injury does not seem serious, given he played the whole game, but it seems he is in need of sufficient rest.

Possible return date: November 23 vs Leicester City

Romeo Lavia

Lavia had to be withdrawn around 20 minutes before the end of the Arsenal game. It’s unclear whether there has been any setback to his recent injury or whether he simply felt he had maxed out his output given the recency of his return.

Possible return date: November 23 vs Leicester City