Chelsea vs Barcelona injury bulletin as Cole Palmer update issued

Chelsea take on Barcelona in the Champions League’s league phase but both sides will be without key players

All of the latest injury news ahead of Chelsea vs Barcelona

• Cole Palmer‘s freakish injury has caused a frustrating delay to his return to action. ^{After nearing a comeback from a persistent groin issue, the Chelsea talisman fractured his little toe by stubbing it on a door at home last week, meaning he will be a big miss against Barcelona on Tuesday.}
• Chelsea captain Reece James is confirmed fit for the Champions League clash, with his recent substitution being a planned, precautionary measure, as confirmed by Enzo Maresca. The right-back only played 45 minutes in the last Premier League match against Burnley, which was a strategic move to manage his workload after international duty.
• Barcelona will be without their highly-rated midfielder, Pedri, for the tantalising fixture at Stamford Bridge. The Barcelona sensation has been ruled out as he has not yet fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
• In a major boost for the visitors, forward Marcus Rashford has recovered and is available for selection. The England international was absent from the previous league fixture due to a fever but has since returned to full training with the squad.
• Chelsea continue to deal with the absences of two important players in Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia. ^{Both defender Colwill and midfielder Lavia remain sidelined and unavailable as they continue their respective rehabilitation programmes.}
• Midfielder Dario Essugo is not expected to feature for Chelsea until the new year. ^{Essugo underwent surgery following a thigh injury sustained while on international duty in September and is currently expected to return around January 2026.}