Khel Now logo
HomeSportsWomen's Premier LeagueLive Cricket Score
Advertisement

UEFA Champions League

Chelsea injury news: Players out, potential return dates ahead of Pafos Champions League clash

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.
Published at :January 19, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Modified at :January 19, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Cole Palmer Chelsea Premier League

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The Blues are affected by injuries to several players.

Manager Liam Rosenior has a new injury issue ahead of a crucial few games for Chelsea.

Cole Palmer scored a penalty when Chelsea defeated Brentford 2-0 on Saturday. But the Blues, who have a crucial ten days ahead of them, are concerned about his health since he did not look well.

To increase their hopes of earning a top-eight berth and automatic passage to the knockout stage, Chelsea should defeat Pafos on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League.

Ahead of their next fixture, we have listed some of the injured players and when they will return to action.

Chelsea injury news

Cole Plamer

Cole Palmer
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Cole Palmer of Chelsea scores his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on May 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Injury: Groin

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H)

Palmer played the entire ninety minutes against Brentford. But when he was seen on the ground feeling his severely strapped groin at the end of the game, it raised concerns.

This season, the 23-year-old has battled thigh and toe issues in addition to a recurring groin injury. Chelsea supporters will be hoping that he was simply experiencing the physical effects of playing for ninety minutes. Rosenior will give a fitness report during his news conference on Tuesday before the Pafos match.

Estevao

Estêvão (Brazil)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 04: Estevao Willian of Brazil celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the match between Brazil and Chile as part of the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier at Maracana Stadium on September 04, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ruano Carneiro/Getty Images)

Injury: Illnesses

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H)

Estevao was absent against Brentford after starting the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal last week. After the game, Rosenior clarified that this was because of a period of illness.

“Yeah, he was ill,” the Chelsea boss confirmed. “It’s running through the squad. There were a few, I won’t say who, but there were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests. They put in a magnificent effort.”

Malo Gusto

Injury: Muscle injury

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H) or January 25 vs Crystal Palace (A)

Due to what the new Chelsea head coach described as a “pain issue” last week, Malo Gusto has now missed all three of Rosenior’s games in charge.

At the end of last week, Gusto worked out alone at Cobham. Once his “pain” gets less, he is anticipated to resume full first-team training.

Jamie Gittens

Injury: Illness

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H)

Due to illness, Jamie Gittens was unable to play against Brentford. A few days off could help the 21-year-old quickly return to full health. Chelsea have been trying to keep sick players away from the rest of the team.

Will Cole Palmer miss the Champions League game?

Liam Rosenior will confirm his availability before the clash.

Who are Chelsea facing next?

They will play Pafos in the UCL.

Where do the Blues stand in the UCL table?

They are 13th in the table.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.

Rajarshi Shukla
Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.