Chelsea Faces Major Setback as Four Key Players Doubtful for Wolves Clash

Chelsea is grappling with fresh injury concerns as four key players face potential absences for their Premier League clash against Wolves.

Despite a resounding 5-0 FA Cup victory over Morecambe, the Blues have been unable to secure a league win in their last five matches, including a last-minute rescue by Reece James for a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth earlier this week.

Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, and Romeo Lavia all missed training on Friday due to injuries sustained during the demanding festive schedule. These absences leave Chelsea in a precarious position as they prepare for Monday’s match.

Maresca addressed the media, revealing that Palmer, a key figure with 14 goals and six assists in 21 games this season, is nursing an ankle injury from a harsh challenge in the previous game. The manager expressed uncertainty about Palmer’s availability, adding that Fernandez, Lavia, and Colwill are also under evaluation.

While acknowledging Palmer’s significance to the squad, Maresca remained optimistic about adapting to the challenges posed by his absence. He assured fans that solutions would be found to maintain the team’s competitive edge.

The potential unavailability of Colwill at center-back might open the door for Trevor Chalobah’s return to the starting lineup. Having recently returned from a loan spell at Crystal Palace, Chalobah is eager to make an impact.

Maresca clarified that Chalobah’s initial departure was due to financial constraints rather than performance issues and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute.

Meanwhile, club captain Reece James, who played in Chelsea’s last two games, could make his first league start since November. Maresca emphasized the importance of managing James’ fitness to avoid further injuries, hinting at a cautious approach to reintegrating him into the squad.

As Chelsea braces for another critical test in their Premier League campaign, the team faces the dual challenge of overcoming their injury setbacks and reversing their recent poor form. The upcoming match against Wolves presents an opportunity to regain momentum despite the odds.