Palmer, James, Gusto: Chelsea latest injury news and return dates ahead of Bournemouth clash

After a tough start to the Premier League season against Manchester City, Chelsea bounced back with a huge 6-2 win over Wolves at Molineux. Their following, somewhat underwhelming, draw to Crystal Palace leaves the Blues 11th in the table with four points but plenty of chances to climb the table once the Premier League action returns.

The next challenge for Enzo Maresca and his side will be Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium after the international break. Chelsea have already registered some injury setbacks at this point in the season, so let’s take a look at the latest updates at those who are ruled out or in doubt ahead of the next Premier League clash.

Reece James

Reece James would have missed Chelsea’s opening fixtures so far due to suspension regardless of any other outcomes. The right-back was issued a lengthy four-game ban last season after picking up a red card against Brighton and Hove Albion. However, his fitness levels have just added more concerns for fans.

During the time James has been suspended, he has been out with another hamstring injury and is still thought to be ‘a couple of weeks away’ from returning to full training, according to a report this week from The Telegraph.

Cole Palmer

Star player Cole Palmer withdrew from international duties with England this week in order to ‘continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues’ during the break. The news has also dropped that the 22-year-old has been left out of Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League squad, with football.london reporting that the reason behind his omission is ‘in relation to load management’. It is worth noting that, with the Club World Cup looming next summer, the Blues could face an 80-game long season.

Fortunately, a positive update from The Telegraph has emerged, reporting that Chelsea are ‘optimistic’ Palmer will not face a spell on the sidelines and that there are no new injury concerns to manage. While the reason for his international withdrawal has not been named, it is thought to be related to his recent muscle fatigue issues and he is expected to take time to rest during the break.

Based on the good news, Palmer could be in contention to face Bournemouth once the Premier League action resumes.

Roméo Lavia

After joining the Blues last summer from Southampton, Roméo Lavia made just one appearance as injuries tore through his debut season. The midfielder has been looking to bounce back from his setbacks but suffered another hamstring issue ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Wolves. Fortunately, it doesn’t sound like it’s anything long-term at this moment in time but a return date is yet to be specified.

“We had to leave him behind because he suffered a minor hamstring injury, but hopefully, it's nothing too serious,” said Maresca.

Malo Gusto

The same update that shed light on James’ situation has reported that the Blues ‘hope’ Malo Gusto will not be out for too long with the hamstring injury suffered against Crystal Palace. However, it looks likely that he could miss out on the Bournemouth clash and Maresca has also issued a vague update on his situation.

Speaking after the draw with the Eagles, the manager said: “We will see what happens. It looks like a muscle problem, and we are going to see.”

Omari Kellyman

Summer signing Omari Kellyman has confirmed he has suffered a hamstring injury but he has assured fans that he will ‘be back stronger’. The Chelsea new boy is expected to be out of action for two months, according to an update from Fabrizio Romano.