Palmer, Cucurella, Estevao – Chelsea injury round-up and return dates after new scare vs Arsenal

Chelsea will be back in Premier League action this week as they face Aston Villa just days after losing 2-1 to Arsenal

Chelsea have several injury concerns to consider as they prepare to return to Premier League duties later this week. The Blues were on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, which saw their top-four hopes dented.

Liam Rosenior’s side are now in sixth place in the Premier League table and have now fallen behind rivals Liverpool after their win over West Ham over the weekend.

The Blues return to Premier League action on Wednesday night where they will face top-four rivals Aston Villa, but will do so will several key players on the sidelines with injury

Rosenior will also be forced to go into the game with one player ruled out through suspension.

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Here, football.london takes a look at the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates ahead of their next Premier League fixture…

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Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer handed Chelsea an injury scare during Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. The playmaker received treatment in the first half for a potential injury.

Palmer would remain on the pitch until he was substituted in the 86th minute, but Rosenior has stated that the England international available for the next match against Villa on Wednesday night.

“It wasn’t [his ongoing groin issue],” said Rosenior. “He took a knock, he was absolutely fine. He’s looking really good. He played 83 minutes. I took him and Enzo [Fernandez] off because they were both on yellow cards. He’s absolutely fine to start the game on Wednesday.”

Potential return date: Aston Villa (A) – March 4 – Premier League.

Jamie Gittens

Jamie Gittens has been sidelined with a thigh injury and is not expected to return in time to feature against Villa.

“Jamie is looking a little bit more long-term,” Rosenior told reporters last month.

Potential return date: Unknown

Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella has missed Chelsea’s last two matches with a hamstring injury, but is nearing a return to action.

Rosenior has confirmed that he hopes to have the left-back available for the clash against Villa in midweek.

“Cucu is looking good, hopefully we can get him back involved if not on Wednesday, then on Saturday,” said Rosenior.

Potential return date: Aston Villa (A) – March 4 – Premier League

Pedro

Pedro Neto will be suspended for the match against Villa after being sent off during the defeat to Arsenal.

The forward was shown two yellow cards and will serve a one-match ban for the Blues.

Potential return date: Wrexham (A) – March 7 – FA Cup

Estevao Willian

Estevao Willian has been sidelined with a thigh injury but is stepping up his recovery to return to the matchday squad.

Rosenior confirmed that Estevao has returned to the training pitch, but a return to the squad for the clash against Villa is likely to be too soon for the forward.

“Estevao is back running on the pitch,” Rosenior said.

Potential return date: March

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana has been sidelined for the defeat to Arsenal after being sent off in the draw with Burnley last month.

Fofana served a one-match ban and will now be available to face Villa on Wednesday night.

Potential return date: Aston Villa (A) – March 4 – Premier League.

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is continuing to recover from a knee injury he suffered last summer, which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for the majority of the season.

Chelsea will be hoping to have the defender available towards the end of the season, if not the start of pre-season in the summer.

Potential return date: May.

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo is a long-term absentee for Chelsea and is not expected to return until later this month.

Essugo is yet to make his debut for the Blues since his move from Sporting CP last summer, having been sidelined with a thigh injury earlier in the season that forced the midfielder to undergo surgery.