Insider: one injured Chelsea star likely to return for Man City; but another out for “weeks” | OneFootball

Things had been going pretty well for Chelsea on the injury front this season, at least compared to the last few years. The fact that we had a full B team which could take the burden off the main first XI seemed to help people stay fit for longer.

But now we’re into the busiest part of the year things have got tricky, and last Friday’s press conference saw a number of issues raised by Enzo Maresca.

As well as medium/long-term absentees Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, we heard that Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were among those who had missed training sessions last week and were doubts for the game against Wolves.

Palmer recovered enough to play on Monday – although only at about 50% capacity. The rest of them missed out entirely. We got the win in the end, but we wouldn’t fancy our chances this weekend against Man City with the same weakened group.

Insider gives mixed injury update

Romeo Lavia lies stricken after a blow to the head.

We haven’t had any further updates on them – and Maresca’s presser isn’t until tomorrow. But luckily we’ve got insider Matt Law on the London is Blue podcast. to take us through with a bit of insight on what he reckons the state of play is:

“It feels like he [Levi Colwill] needed to miss [the Wolves game], but it also feels slightly precautionary, trying to be sensible with him given that Fofana is out. It sounded encouraging on Colwill. It looks like they think he could be back for City. Enzo Fernandez… touch and go for City. I think they hope he can make it, but if he doesn’t he will be back after that. Lavia… I’m told it will be weeks.”

So a bit of a mixed bag – while Colwill has been great this season we at least have some options at centre back. It looks like we’re going to face City with no Lavia and a wounded Enzo at best. That’s a worrying situation to be in.