Chelsea face a tough test as Essugo, Delap and others suffer long-term injuries. Squad depth is stretched. Can new signings and youth step up?
Chelsea look strong early in the 2025-26 season, but their injury list is piling up fast. With several starters ruled out for weeks or months, manager Enzo Maresca must dig deep to keep the team competitive in all fronts.
Key Players Sidelined
- Dario Essugo is out for about 12 weeks with a thigh injury from international duty. He had surgery.
- Liam Delap also has a hamstring injury. He is ruled out until at least December.
- Levi Colwill, one of Chelsea’s defensive stars, suffered a serious ACL injury in preseason. He’ll be out for most of the season.
- Cole Palmer has a groin issue. He’s back in partial training, but may not be ready for full matches yet.
How Chelsea Are Reacting
With so many players out, the manager is forced to get creative. Substitutes and younger players are getting chances. The club used a new UEFA rule to bring in Facundo Buonanotte into the Champions League squad to replace Essugo.
There is also some small hope: Romeo Lavia might return after the next international break.
What This Means for Squad Depth
Chelsea’s front line is thinner without Delap. Defensively, Colwill’s absence hurts both backline strength and game build-up. Without Essugo and with Palmer not fully fit, midfield plans may need reworking.
The club’s depth is being tested across all competitions. If more injuries come, there may be real trouble. But strong performances from backup players could ease the load.
Author’s Insight
This stretch could make or break Chelsea’s season. If the starters return and stay fit, the talent is there. But right now, resilience matters most. How the fringe players step up will shape the team’s strength. For Chelsea, fighting through this injury storm well could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
