According to report by Metro on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Chelsea have received a timely double fitness boost ahead of Saturday evening’s demanding Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, as Enzo Maresca’s squad begins to recover from recent injury setbacks.
Chelsea’s campaign has followed a contrasting trajectory.
After an eye-catching display against Arsenal last month raised hopes of a title push, the Blues have struggled for consistency, managing only one league win in their last five outings.
Encouragingly for Chelsea, reinforcements are returning at a crucial moment. Brazilian winger Estevao, who missed trips to Cardiff and Newcastle due to a minor muscular problem, is back in contention for the visit of Villa.
Liam Delap has also recovered fully after a shoulder injury forced him off early in December’s match against Bournemouth.
While neither player is expected to start, their availability provides Maresca with much-needed depth, particularly with Delap having endured a frustrating, injury-hit spell since his summer move from Ipswich Town.
There is also positive news regarding Cole Palmer. The Chelsea head coach has confirmed the influential midfielder is now ready to complete a full 90 minutes after being carefully eased back following a groin injury.
Palmer has featured four times since returning and now appears to have regained full match sharpness, a significant boost given his importance to Chelsea’s attacking play.
Not all the injury news is positive, however. Midfielders Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo remain sidelined with thigh problems, while defender Levi Colwill continues his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained before the season began.
