Chelsea injury and suspension list ahead of Liverpool clash

Chelsea have more than a few injury concerns and suspensions to contend with ahead of facing Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Arne Slot and the Liverpool squad don’t have too much time to sit and sulk after back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray respectively.

The Reds face another stern test in Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this coming Sunday.

Liverpool will be without Alisson Becker for the clash, while Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt.

Enzo Maresca’s side have endured a challenging start to the campaign, sitting in eighth place after consecutive league defeats and trailing the title-contending Reds by seven points.

The confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League this week provided a timely lift, but Chelsea must contend with a raft of unavailable players before the Merseyside giants arrive.

Cole Palmer – out

Cole Palmer continues to nurse a recurring groin issue that has sidelined him since the defeat to Brighton. Maresca insists that rest rather than surgery is the preferred route, ruling the attacker out of this weekend’s clash and postponing any potential comeback until after the international break, with an earliest return date of October 18 against Nottingham Forest.

Liam Delap – out

Summer signing Liam Delap remains out of contention after suffering a hamstring injury at the end of August. The striker’s rehabilitation has encountered setbacks, making him unavailable for the Liverpool fixture and unlikely to return before December, depriving Chelsea of a powerful option up front.

Andrey Santos – out

Andrey Santos withdrew with an unspecified issue during the Brighton defeat and missed the Champions League victory over Benfica.

Maresca confirmed that the Brazil youth international will also sit out against Liverpool, with his recovery timeline tentatively pointing towards a return on October 18 at Nottingham Forest.

Romeo Lavia – doubt

Romeo Lavia is back in full training after recovering from a muscle problem and was named among the substitutes against Benfica. The Belgian’s return to fitness provides midfield reinforcement, and he is expected to be available for selection on Saturday as Chelsea aim to regain control in front of their home supporters.

Levi Colwill – out

The young defender Levi Colwill underwent knee surgery in early August and faces a prolonged rehabilitation process. With no return date yet determined, Chelsea must navigate their centre-back options without the 21-year-old for the foreseeable future.

Dario Essugo – out

Dario Essugo’s thigh injury sustained on Portugal Under-21 duty has kept him out since September. Following initial treatment, the midfielder is unlikely to feature again until after the winter break, leaving Chelsea short in central areas.

Tosin Adarabioyo – out

Tosin Adarabioyo has been unavailable since before the EFL Cup tie with Lincoln City due to a muscle issue. Maresca has indicated the centre-back will remain sidelined until after the upcoming international break, meaning he will not face Liverpool but could return against Nottingham Forest on October 18.

Trevoh Chalobah – out

Trevoh Chalobah received a straight red card for a last-man challenge in the defeat to Brighton, incurring a suspension that rules him out of the Liverpool game.