Key Takeaways:
- Chelsea could be without up to 11 players for their pivotal fixture versus Liverpool this weekend
- Long-term absentees and fresh injuries have forced Enzo Maresca into a significant reshuffle
- Liverpool will be missing Alisson Becker, but Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are available for selection
Chelsea’s Extensive Injury List
Chelsea are preparing for what could be their sternest test of the season so far when they host reigning Premier League champions Liverpool this weekend. Manager Enzo Maresca faces mounting selection concerns, with his squad severely depleted by injuries and suspensions.
The Blues have already confirmed that Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, and Levi Colwill remain unavailable for selection due to their respective long-term setbacks. Star forward Cole Palmer is sidelined by a groin injury and is not expected to return until after the impending international break. Several other players deemed close to regaining fitness are also not expected to feature in this upcoming match.
Maresca: "Cole is still out, Trev is suspended, we have seven or eight players out for tomorrow's game." pic.twitter.com/E0ozX1KRxy
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) October 3, 2025
| Chelsea Player | Reason for Absence | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Dario Essugo | Injury (long-term) | Unknown |
| Liam Delap | Injury (long-term) | Unknown |
| Levi Colwill | Injury (long-term) | Unknown |
| Cole Palmer | Groin injury | After international break |
| Tosin Adarabioyo | Calf injury | Unknown |
| Andrey Santos | Injury vs Brighton | After international break |
| Wesley Fofana | Concussion protocols | Unknown |
| Trevoh Chalobah | Suspended (red card vs Brighton) | Unknown |
| Mykhailo Mudryk | Suspended | Unknown |
Maresca’s Perspective
Chelsea’s manager outlined the challenge at hand, noting that so many unavailable players have forced substantial adjustments. He stated: “Very difficult, very difficult, very hard, very difficult,” said Maresca. “Again, because the ones that they play, there is a big risk that they can get injured because they are the ones that are playing a lot.
“For instance, we lost Andrey Santos against Brighton, who will be out until after the international break. We have seven or eight players out, unfortunately for us in this moment.
“So it is difficult because also we struggled to repeat the same XI, but it is what it is. We need to adapt and try to win games. That is why it was so important tonight to win and also was the other day important, but unfortunately we did not win. Now we focus on Saturday.”
Liverpool’s Team News
Liverpool’s preparations, by contrast, have seen some positive developments. Both Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are fit and available for selection heading into the contest. However, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker suffered an injury against Galatasaray and has been ruled out of contention for this match and the Brazil national team in the upcoming international window.
Arne Slot addressed the situation in his pre-match press briefing, saying: “Alisson is not part of the squad tomorrow and won’t travel to Brazil as well with the national team. He will be out for Saturday.
“Hugo [Ekitike] is going to train again today and same can be said for Federico [Chiesa]. Alisson I would be surprised if he’s there for first game after international break, but we don’t know after that. Depends how quickly he can recover.”
The Reds’ only long-term absentee remains Giovanni Leoni, who is recovering from surgery following a serious knee injury.
