Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but Enzo Maresca will be without a number of key players
Chelsea will be without some key players when they take on Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night, following a 3-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League over the weekend. The Blues will be determined to return to winning ways after losing to Bayern Munich in their first fixture of the competition two weeks ago.
Enzo Maresca has enjoyed mixed results in his second season as Chelsea head coach, following the club’s triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup during the summer. Now, the Italian will be determined to win yet another trophy at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea take on a Benfica team that now has Jose Mourinho as their manager, with the 62-year-old previously in charge at Fenerbahce before his exit at the end of August. However, Maresca will have to field a Chelsea side against Benfica at Stamford Bridge with several key players out due to injury, reports football.london.
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Here, Mirror Sport examines the current Chelsea injury list ahead of the Champions League showdown with Benfica.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been dealing with a groin injury for most of the season.
Maresca confirmed last week that the decision had been made to rest Palmer until after the October international break to allow the midfielder time to recover from the injury, meaning he will not be available to face Benfica.
Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (A) – 18 October.
Liam Delap
Liam Delap is dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained before the last international break.
The former Ipswich Town striker is expected to be sidelined for up to 12 weeks from the start of the injury, meaning a return in either November or December is anticipated.
Potential return date: November/December.
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill is expected to be out of action for several months as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained during pre-season training in August. It’s uncertain whether the defender will recover in time to play for Chelsea before the season ends.
Potential return date: 2026.
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo suffered a calf injury just days before Chelsea’s match against Brighton at the weekend. The Blues are hopeful that Tosin will be fit to return after the October international break.
Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (A) – October 18.
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana experienced a concussion during Chelsea’s victory over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup last week. Consequently, the defender missed the loss to Brighton but could potentially return to the squad to face Benfica in the Champions League.
Potential return date: Benfica (H) – September 30 – Champions League.
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro has become a fitness concern for Chelsea following an update from Maresca. The Chelsea head coach confirmed that Pedro will need to be assessed before a decision is made on the striker’s availability vs Benfica.
“This afternoon we’re going to assess Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos,” Maresca told reporters on Monday.
“They are all players unfortunately for us with some small problems. So we’ll see if tomorrow they’re going to be available.”
Potential return date: Benfica (H) – September 30 – Champions League.
Wesley Santos
Maresca also confirmed that Wesley Santos needs to be assessed by the Chelsea medical staff ahead of the clash against Benfica.
Only time will tell if Santos is available to feature for the Blues on Tuesday evening.
Potential return date: Benfica (H) – September 30 – Champions League.
Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo will also need to undergo medical assessment after emerging as a fitness doubt ahead of the clash against Chelsea.
It’s unclear if the midfielder will be available to face Benfica.
Potential return date: Benfica (H) – September 30 – Champions League.
Dario Essugo
Dario Essugo is not expected to be available for Chelsea for some time after suffering a thigh injury earlier this season.
It was confirmed by Chelsea earlier this month that Essugo had undergone successful surgery on the injury and is now in recovery with no timeframe given on a potential return.
Potential return date: Unknown.