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Chelsea FC battled through several absences to secure an impressive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night — but Liam Rosenior is still managing a lengthy injury list as the Blues prepare for their next fixture.
Chelsea delivered a clinical performance at Villa Park, with Joao Pedro scoring his first Premier League hat-trick while Cole Palmer added another goal to seal the dominant win.
The result lifted Chelsea back into fifth place in the Premier League, above Liverpool FC on goal difference and just three points behind both Aston Villa and Manchester United.
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However, the victory came despite several important players being unavailable.
Players Missing Against Aston Villa
Chelsea entered the match without multiple first-team options.
Pedro Neto was serving a one-match suspension following his red card against Arsenal FC, while a number of players remained sidelined through injury.
Although Marc Cucurella made his return from injury with a second-half substitute appearance, several teammates are still working toward fitness.
Estevão Willian Nearing His Return
One of the most exciting developments concerns Estevao Willian.
The Brazilian youngster has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign and scored in Chelsea’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Hull City AFC last month.
However, he has not featured since feeling his hamstring on the eve of the 1-1 draw against Burnley FC on February 21.
Initially expected to miss more time, Rosenior has now revealed the winger is back running on the pitch, suggesting a return could come sooner than anticipated.
Potential return: March 7 vs Wrexham AFC
Positive Signs for Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens was beginning to hit form before suffering a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over West Ham United on January 31.
The winger was initially expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but Rosenior has recently delivered a more optimistic update.
“Jamie is progressing really, really well in terms of his rehab.”
Potential return: Later in March
Essugo Edging Closer to Chelsea Debut
Midfielder Dario Essugo is still waiting to make his first senior appearance for Chelsea.
After undergoing thigh surgery in September and suffering another setback in training in December, the youngster has endured a frustrating campaign.
The good news is that Essugo has now returned to training.
“At the moment, Dario is back on the training pitch which is good,” Rosenior confirmed.
Potential return: March
Long-Term Recovery for Colwill
Defender Levi Colwill remains Chelsea’s most significant long-term injury concern.
The centre-back suffered an ACL injury last summer and is expected to miss the majority of the season while completing his rehabilitation.
Rosenior has provided encouraging feedback regarding his recovery progress.
“Levi is doing really, really well with his long-term rehab.”
Potential return: May
Key Fixture Ahead
Chelsea now turn their focus to the FA Cup as they prepare to face Wrexham AFC this weekend.
With several players edging closer to fitness and confidence high following the Villa victory, Rosenior will hope to continue building momentum as the Blues juggle domestic and European ambitions during a packed run of fixtures.
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