Chelsea could be without four players for Everton after Cole Palmer update

Enzo Maresca will be without four players for Chelsea's clash against Everton on Saturday but the return of Cole Palmer comes at the perfect time

Cole Palmer is set to return for Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Everton on Saturday, having sat out Wednesday evening's Champions League loss in Italy. The England star was left out of the travelling squad to aid his recovery process. Palmer has featured just six times across all competitions under Enzo Maresca this campaign, with a groin problem sidelining him since September.

He featured in last weekend's goalless stalemate at Bournemouth following his comeback appearance in the loss at Leeds United. Having missed Monday's training session, it's understood his midweek absence formed part of a carefully managed return programme.

Looking ahead to Everton's visit this weekend, Maresca confirmed Palmer's availability. "Yes, he is okay," the Italian manager said. "He is better, he is available at the moment with one more session available. He finished the session with us with a mixed feeling but he is okay.", reports Football London.

Maresca also delivered encouraging updates on Wesley Fofana. The defender entered proceedings at the interval in Bergamo before departing with an eye injury during the second period, though Maresca confirmed the centre-half completed Thursday's training session and is "fine".

However, Chelsea face limitations up front. Liam Delap's difficult beginning in west London looks set to extend for several more weeks after sustaining a shoulder injury against Bournemouth.

Romeo Lavia, a Chelsea player, has been plagued by persistent injuries. Since his £53million transfer from Southampton in 2023, the midfielder has only managed to play 29 matches, with his most recent injury occurring during a Champions League draw against Qarabag in November.

Maresca revealed last week: "It's a muscle problem," and added, "We don't know yet when he can be back." When questioned about whether Lavia's absence would be short or long-term, he responded: "We don't know."

Another midfielder, Dario Essugo, is also sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained while playing for Portugal Under-21s in September. His return is anticipated later this year or early in 2026, but the exact date remains uncertain.

"For sure, he [Essugo] is not available for the next three games," Maresca stated. "I don't think [it is serious]. We need to check him, as it happened yesterday. Unfortunately, it was just yesterday, so I don't know."

Levi Colwill hasn't featured for Chelsea this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season in August. He has since undergone surgery and reports indicate that his recovery is progressing well.