Chelsea’s pre-season ended with an impressive 4-1 victory over ten-man AC Milan, capping off a summer’s work that offered both promise and concern.
Enzo Maresca’s side have shown flashes of sharp attacking play, but a mounting list of injuries and selection dilemmas threaten to overshadow the optimism.
The most significant blow is Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, which rules the young defender out for the majority of the season.
However, Colwill is far from the only concern; several other key players are either carrying knocks, lacking match fitness, or are absent due to off-field reasons.
Although the Blues’ pressing structure and possession play have improved under Maresca, defensive fragility remains an issue, and these absences could magnify those vulnerabilities when the Premier League kicks off.
Here’s the full Chelsea injury & availability update heading into the 2025/26 season:
Chelsea Injury & Availability Update Ahead of Palace Opener
Levi Colwill
The 21-year-old suffered a devastating ACL injury during a training session last week. and has since undergone successful surgery.
Colwill’s left-footed balance, composure under pressure, and ability to progress the ball make him a perfect fit for Maresca’s possession-heavy system.
Losing him strips Chelsea of a natural build-up option on the left side of defence and forces a reshuffle that could see Benoît Badiashile, Tosin, or even Josh Acheampong filling the role.
Recovery from such an injury is long-term, with no realistic expectation of his return before spring 2026.
Potential return date: Spring 2026
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah was substituted against Milan after appearing to tweak his ankle, but Maresca later confirmed it wasn’t serious and partly due to extreme heat.
The versatile defender, capable of playing at centre-back or right-back, is one of the most reliable options in the squad when fit.
His leadership in defensive transitions will be especially important in Colwill’s absence. Chelsea hope he will be available for the Premier League opener, but he may undergo precautionary assessments in the coming days.
Potential return date: Crystal Palace (H) – 17 August 2025
Romeo Lavia
The Belgian midfielder has been absent since suffering a muscle injury in the Club World Cup win over Benfica.
While initially expected to return quickly, his prolonged absence from first-team training has raised questions.
Lavia’s defensive awareness, pressing resistance, and ability to dictate tempo could be key in balancing Chelsea’s midfield, particularly alongside Moisés Caicedo.
His match sharpness remains a concern even if he returns soon.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
Fofana’s return to full training after a thigh injury offers a timely boost to Chelsea’s defensive depth. The Frenchman’s pace, anticipation, and aerial ability could be crucial against fast Premier League attackers.
The main dilemma for Maresca is whether to throw him straight into the starting XI or ease him back gradually to avoid recurrence.
Potential return date: Crystal Palace (H) – 17 August 2025
Benoît Badiashile
Badiashile has been sidelined since a knock suffered in the Club World Cup against Benfica.
While back in individual training, he’s short of full match fitness and will require gradual reintroduction to competitive play.
When fit, his physicality, aerial dominance, and left-footed distribution offer Chelsea valuable balance at the back.
Potential return date: Brentford (A) – 13 September 2025
Christopher Nkunku
The French forward is said to be carrying a minor knock but has also been left out of recent squads amid transfer speculation.
Chelsea are reportedly exploring a move for him this summer, which, combined with his fitness concerns, has kept him out of pre-season action.
His creativity, intelligent movement, and finishing would be a major asset if he stays.
Potential return date: Unknown — dependent on both fitness and transfer situation
Nicolas Jackson
Fully fit but left out of Chelsea’s pre-season squads, Jackson’s absence points towards a potential transfer.
While the Senegalese striker showed flashes of promise last season, inconsistency in front of goal and doubts about his fit in Maresca’s system may see him moved on.
His physical presence and work rate remain valuable, but his future at Stamford Bridge is unclear.
Potential return date: Available — selection dependent on transfer situation
Chelsea Injury & Availability Update FAQs
1. Who is Chelsea’s biggest injury concern right now?
Levi Colwill’s ACL injury is the most serious, ruling him out until spring 2026.
2. Will Trevoh Chalobah be fit for the Crystal Palace match?
Chelsea are optimistic he will be available but will assess him closer to the game.
3. Why hasn’t Romeo Lavia played in pre-season?
He is recovering from a muscle injury sustained in the Club World Cup and has yet to return to full training.
4. Is Christopher Nkunku leaving Chelsea?
His absence is partly due to a minor knock and partly because the club is exploring a summer transfer.
5. Why is Nicolas Jackson not in Chelsea’s pre-season squads?
He’s fit but has been omitted amid speculation over a possible move away from Stamford Bridge.
