Chelsea injury update: Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Reece James latest news and return dates

Chelsea will hope the international break can work in their favour as their injury woes mounted last week.

Xabi Alonso has suggested most of his injured players are marginal cases, and he will hope to have a squad close to full strength for the visit of Marco Rose’s Bournemouth in the second week of October.

Here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates...

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer will miss England’s four upcoming Nations League matches due to injury.

Palmer’s strong start to the season with Chelsea saw him recalled by England head coach Thomas Tuchel on Friday, after the German left the attacking midfielder out of his World Cup squad.

Cole Palmer will not be joining up with the England squad

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Standard Sport understands that Palmer has a muscular injury that they need to manage.

Part of the consideration will have been managing his load, in order to limit the risk of the 24-year-old suffering any long-term injuries this season.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro has not featured for Chelsea since last weekend’s draw with Hull, during which he appeared to pick up a minor knee injury shortly after half-time.

He saw out the match, going on to score a late equaliser, but later missed training and withdrew from Brazil’s squad for the coming international break.

He subsequently sat out the defeat at Brentford, where his impetus was sorely missed.

Xabi Alonso has made a habit of keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to injuries, but suggested Pedro would face a late fitness test ahead of the Brentford match.

He will benefit massively from three weeks of rest.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Staycation: Joao Pedro has been forced to shirk international duty due to a knee injury

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Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo has played just 14 minutes of competitive football this term as he bids to recover from a troublesome calf injury sustained in pre-season.

He recovered to come off the bench against Brighton but was promptly forced off again, having reaggravated the issue. Alonso then apologised for bringing him back too soon.

Alonso suggested, however, he was close to featuring against Brentford, but there was little need to risk him ahead of the international break and he was once again left off the team sheet.

Three weeks of recovery and conditioning should have him fit and firing when the squad reconvenes at Cobham.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Still sidelined: Moises Caicedo

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Reece James

In a grim repetition of history, Reece James has injured his hamstring.

Chelsea’s captain has dealt with persistent hamstring problems throughout his time with the club, and has been struck down once again. Similarly to Joao Pedro, he has not been seen in training or otherwise since completing 90 minutes against Hull.

Thomas Tuchel left him out of his England squad for this international break, confirming the decision was due to fitness, and Alonso later explained: "He had a little injury in his hamstring.

“He tried, we waited until this morning but he couldn't make it. Now we have enough time to prepare for the next one. He was just short of recovering."

All being well, he should be back in contention after the international break.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Groundhog day: Chelsea captain Reece James has picked up yet another hamstring injury

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Marco Palestra

Marco Palestra’s long wait for his Chelsea debut has been extended by another three weeks.

The summer signing from Atalanta picked up a knock ahead of the Blues’ season opener against Fulham, and has not featured since.

Alonso has repeatedly suggested he is close to a comeback, saying ahead of the Brentford match that he was close to being in contention.

He did not feature there, though, and it is hoped he can do so after the international break.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Emmanuel Emegha

Another summer signing struck down with a poorly timed injury is Emmanuel Emegha, the ex-Strasbourg striker who has been made to wait far longer than expected for his debut despite impressing in pre-season.

He was also thought to be close to a comeback ahead of the Brentford match, though Alonso has issued few updates on his condition.

Three weeks off could be enough to get him back in contention.