Enzo Maresca provided crucial Chelsea injury updates at the Chelsea vs Everton pre-match press conference ahead of the Gameweek 16 Premier League clash.
On star midfielder Cole Palmer, he offered cautious optimism about his availability while underscoring the challenges facing the Blues during a tricky period of form.
Palmer – one of Chelsea’s most influential attacking players – has endured a frustrating injury-plagued season. A recurring groin issue, compounded by a fractured toe, kept him sidelined for much of the campaign and disrupted the momentum he had built late last term.
After many weeks out with that problem, he returned to action only recently but was omitted from the squad for Chelsea’s midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta as part of a careful reintegration.
Easing the Star Back to Action
At Friday’s pre-match press conference, Maresca confirmed that Palmer is “available at the moment” for selection but added that the midfielder finished training with mixed feelings after a recent session.
The club will continue managing Palmer’s minutes to protect his long-term fitness rather than rush him back abruptly.
The 23-year-old’s absence from recent games had already served as a reminder of how disruptive muscle injuries can be in the modern condensed schedule, especially when combined with other hurdles the squad has had to navigate this season.
The potential return of Palmer is a significant lift for the Blues as they seek to arrest a winless run of four matches in all competitions.
Chelsea had looked strong prior to this slump – winning nine of eleven matches and even recording a memorable 3-0 win over Barcelona in Europe – but recent setbacks have seen inconsistency creep into their play.
Maresca has stressed that finding consistency is the next step for his young squad as the season enters its busy winter months.
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More Chelsea Injury Updates
Alongside Palmer, centre-back Wesley Fofana is also pushing for involvement, having recovered from a minor eye injury he suffered in the same Atalanta match. Maresca confirmed that Fofana trained normally and should be available for the Chelsea vs Everton game after briefly leaving the field in midweek.
Not all of the Chelsea injury news is positive, however.
Striker Liam Delap was forced off with a shoulder injury in the goalless draw with Bournemouth and faces an absence ranging from two to four weeks. While initial reports suggested a more serious ligament issue, subsequent assessments indicated that the problem, though still sidelining him, may not be as severe as feared.
In addition to Palmer, Fofana, and Delap,the Chelsea injury list still includes long-term absentees such as Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo, all of whom are expected to miss further action into the new year.
Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo continues to serve a Premier League suspension and will be unavailable for the Chelsea vs Everton clash.
As for Everton, they arrive at Stamford Bridge in good form and just one point behind Chelsea in the Premier League table, making this fixture a notable test for Maresca’s side.
The reintegration of Palmer could provide Chelsea with a vital creative spark, but for now, the focus remains firmly on managing fitness and building momentum in a packed schedule.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Xinhua
Recording Date: 30.11.2025
