Chelsea Handed Fresh Injury Scare as December Schedule Takes Its Toll

Chelsea Injury Update: Marc Cucurella Hamstring Scare Adds to December Woes

Chelsea’s demanding December fixture list has delivered another fitness concern, with Marc Cucurella emerging as a fresh injury worry following the Blues’ defeat to Aston Villa.

There was some positive news at the weekend, with Estevão and Liam Delap both returning to action, easing Enzo Maresca’s injury burden slightly. However, that optimism was tempered when Cucurella was forced off at Stamford Bridge, prompting concerns over a potential hamstring problem.

With Chelsea set for a relentless run of fixtures, here is the latest injury news and expected return dates from Cobham.

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Marc Cucurella

Cucurella was substituted during the loss to Aston Villa after experiencing discomfort, with Maresca confirming post-match that the defender had raised concerns over his hamstring.

“He was complaining about his hamstring. We don’t know if it’s an injury now or not. He asked for the change,” Maresca said.

The Spanish international is now due to undergo scans to determine the severity of the issue, placing his availability for Tuesday’s clash against Bournemouth in serious doubt.

Potential return date: Man City (A) – January 4, 2026

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Dário Essugo

Dário Essugo’s frustrating start to life at Chelsea continues after another delay to his recovery.

The summer signing initially picked up a thigh injury in September, and although he returned to training in November, that comeback was cut short. While first feared to be a recurrence, it has since been confirmed the issue is separate and relatively minor.

Speaking earlier this month, Maresca offered a cautious update:

“I don’t know. I don’t have information. I know that he’s better.
It’s not the same injury that he had in the past. It’s something small and it will be a short time.”

Potential return date: January 2026

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Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with a muscle problem sustained during Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Qarabag in early November.

The outlook remains unclear, with Maresca unable to provide a concrete timeline for the midfielder’s return.

“We don’t know yet when he can be back,” the Chelsea boss admitted.
When pressed further, he added: “We don’t know.”

Persistent injury issues have limited Lavia to just 29 appearances since his £53 million move from Southampton in the summer of 2023.

Potential return date: Unknown

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Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill faces a long road back after suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury shortly after Chelsea returned for pre-season training in August.

The setback came in a World Cup year and just days after the defender helped Chelsea win the Club World Cup. Surgery followed soon after, and the club expect him to miss the majority of the campaign.

Potential return date: Spring/Summer 2026

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Injury Concerns Mount for Maresca

With Chelsea competing across multiple fronts, squad availability is becoming an increasingly delicate issue for Maresca. The coming weeks will test not only Chelsea’s depth, but also their ability to carefully manage minutes as they navigate a demanding festive schedule.