Chelsea head into their short trip to Brentford this weekend with more than just league points on their minds.
Manager Enzo Maresca is juggling a growing list of injuries and fitness doubts that could leave him without several key players.
The Blues, who have the chance to briefly move top of the table, will need to navigate the derby with a patched-up squad.
Maresca has already confirmed that Dario Essugo will be missing after surgery on a thigh injury picked up with Portugal’s U21s.
Levi Colwill, still sidelined with an ACL issue, won’t return this season. Liam Delap is still recovering from a hamstring setback before the international break.
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Will Palmer make it back in time for Chelsea vs. Brentford?
The spotlight now turns to Cole Palmer. The forward has been spotted back in training after a groin injury, but his availability is still uncertain.
Maresca will likely wait until his Friday press conference before confirming whether Palmer can feature. The same applies to Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia, both easing their way back but unlikely to be risked.
There is also a question mark over Tyrique George, who pulled out of England’s U21 squad with a knock. Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo returns to London under a cloud after his red card for Ecuador.
He won’t miss Premier League duty, but the extra miles and workload could take a toll. To add to the headache, Andrey Santos has undergone surgery and faces a long recovery.
Brentford also have their own fitness puzzles, with Vitaly Janelt edging closer to a return and Edmond-Paris Maghoma pushing for minutes.
But Chelsea’s problems are clearly heavier, and Maresca will need to show tactical flexibility if his squad is stretched again.
For fans, it’s another reminder that Chelsea’s fight for top spot may come down not just to skill, but survival of the fittest. In this west London derby, the injury list may prove just as decisive as the team sheet.
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