Chelsea Injury News March 2026: Who Is Out, Who Is Doubtful and When They’ll Return
Chelsea Injury News March 2026: Who Is Out, Who Is Doubtful and When They’ll Return
Chelsea are currently managing six first-team injuries as we enter the crucial March period, with manager Liam Rosenior providing positive updates on several key players ahead of this week’s fixtures. The Blues’ injury list includes notable absences in defence and attack, though there are encouraging signs for returns in the coming days.
As of 06 March 2026, the west London club face particular challenges with long-term defensive injuries whilst dealing with shorter-term fitness concerns for attacking players. Rosenior’s latest team news suggests several players are close to comebacks, which could prove vital for Chelsea’s push across multiple competitions.
Current Chelsea Injured Players and Recovery Timeline
Estêvão Willian remains Chelsea’s most significant short-term concern. The Brazilian winger has missed the last three Premier League matches since their FA Cup victory at Hull City due to a hamstring problem. Rosenior provided an encouraging update this week: “Estevao is back on the pitch, but he’s not ready for this one. We need to be really, really careful, given it was a hamstring injury.” The 19-year-old is expected to return within seven days.
Jamie Gittens continues his recovery from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since late January. The winger’s rehabilitation has progressed well, with Rosenior confirming: “Jamie Gittens is getting really close, which is great. He had a really positive scan. So hopefully within the next seven days, he’ll be back in the group.”
Wesley Fofana is nursing a knock that makes him doubtful for upcoming fixtures, though the centre-back’s injury is not considered serious. The French defender’s availability will likely be assessed on a match-by-match basis.
Long-Term Chelsea Injury Concerns
The most significant long-term absence remains Levi Colwill, who suffered a cruciate ligament tear during preseason. The England international will miss the entire 2025-26 campaign and is still in the early stages of his rehabilitation programme. His absence has forced Rosenior to reshape his defensive options significantly.
Dario Essugo presents another extended absence case. The midfielder underwent thigh surgery in September and suffered a setback in December, preventing any appearances this season. However, recent reports suggest he has returned to training and could feature later this month, providing Chelsea with additional midfield depth.
Positive Return News for Chelsea
There are encouraging developments elsewhere in the squad. Marc Cucurella is close to returning from his recent injury, with Rosenior stating the left-back is “looking really good” and should be available “if not for Wednesday, for Saturday, for sure.”
Romeo Lavia continues building his match fitness after limited appearances since November. The Belgian midfielder has featured as a substitute in recent matches against Arsenal and Aston Villa, with Rosenior confirming: “Romeo will definitely play a part, and he’ll play a huge part for the rest of the season.”
Pedro Neto returns from a one-match suspension and is expected to be available for selection immediately, providing Rosenior with additional attacking options.
Impact on Chelsea’s March Fixtures
- Six first-team players currently unavailable through injury
- Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended for alleged doping violation
- Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens expected back within seven days
- Marc Cucurella likely available for weekend fixtures
- Levi Colwill ruled out for entire season with ACL injury
- Dario Essugo targeting return later this month
The injury situation leaves Rosenior with tactical decisions to make, particularly in wide areas where Estêvão Willian and Gittens’ absences have limited options. However, the imminent returns of key players, combined with Lavia’s increasing involvement and Cucurella’s comeback, suggest Chelsea’s squad depth will improve significantly over the coming weeks.
For comprehensive coverage of Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures and today’s football on TV, supporters can track the latest team news as these injury situations develop throughout March.
When will Estêvão Willian return from injury?
Estêvão Willian is expected to return within seven days according to manager Liam Rosenior. The Brazilian winger has been back training on the pitch but Chelsea are taking a cautious approach with his hamstring injury recovery.
How long will Levi Colwill be out injured?
Levi Colwill will miss the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a cruciate ligament tear during preseason. The England defender is still in the early stages of rehabilitation and won’t return until the following campaign.
Which Chelsea players are close to returning from injury?
Marc Cucurella is expected to return either for Wednesday’s match or Saturday’s fixture at the latest. Both Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens are anticipated back within seven days, while Dario Essugo could return later in March.
Last updated: 06 March 2026
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