Liam Rosenior
Chelsea is gearing up for a challenging period as they prepare to face Manchester City in their return to Premier League action on April 12. The extra week between their FA Cup tie and the league fixture is expected to provide injured players more time to recover. The Blues, winless in their last two league games, aim to bounce back after Liverpool overtook them in the standings. Chelsea remains in the race for Champions League qualification, with Liverpool also pushing despite an underwhelming league campaign. The return of key players will be crucial for manager Liam Rosenior and his squad as they navigate the decisive final weeks of the season.
Thomas Tuchel said: “We’ve seen some encouraging data recently. I saw him live against Arsenal and for the first time in a long time, I had the feeling his stride was back to the original lengths.”
Cole Palmer is nearing full fitness after a groin injury, with a potential return date set for the match against Manchester City on April 12. Levi Colwill, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season, is making progress but is not expected to return until May 2026. Rosenior expressed optimism about Colwill’s recovery, noting that he is hitting all the necessary benchmarks.
Liam Rosenior said: “With an ACL, he’s hitting all the benchmarks he needs to. He’s still looking at a good while yet. Hopefully [he can play this season].”
Trevoh Chalobah will be out for around six weeks following an ankle injury sustained against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Rosenior confirmed that the injury is not as severe as initially feared, with a potential return date against Nottingham Forest on May 4.
Liam Rosenior said: “Fortunately it’s nowhere near as serious as we first feared. It’s still a serious injury. We’re looking at a period of about six weeks, which is a better period than we first thought.”
Filip Jorgensen underwent minor groin surgery earlier this month and is expected to return against Brighton on April 26. Jamie Gittens, recovering from a hamstring tear, is close to returning and may be available for the match against Manchester United on April 18. Reece James is also working his way back from a hamstring issue, with a return anticipated in April or May 2026.
Liam Rosenior said: “It’s not serious but there is something in his hamstring.”
In a separate issue, Mykhailo Mudryk is currently suspended after being charged with violating anti-doping regulations by the Football Association. The Ukraine international’s absence adds to Chelsea’s challenges as they strive to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
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