Liam Delap is closing in on a return to action with Chelsea.(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Delap, Estevao, Lavia - Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Newcastle clash

by · football.london

Chelsea have been made to deal with a number of injury problems this season and Enzo Maresca has provided an update in his pre-match press conference for Newcastle United.

Chelsea swiftly return to Premier League action this weekend with a trip to take on Newcastle United at St. James' Park. There lies the opportunity to stay in the top-four over the Christmas period.

Enzo Maresca's squad had their attention diverted briefly with Carabao Cup duties in midweek. The Blues overcame Cardiff City to seal their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Arsenal or Crystal Palace next month.

But for now, the focus falls back on to the Premier League and the challenge that Newcastle will present. Magpies fans will be desperate for a positive response after Eddie Howe's side were defeated by local rivals Sunderland last weekend.

Maresca made the decision to rest several key Chelsea players for their cup clash. That included England star Cole Palmer, Reece James, Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella - who was suspended either way.

On Friday morning, the Blues' manager revealed at his pre-Newcastle press conference all those who were left out against Cardiff will be okay for Saturday lunchtime, before going into further detail on his injured players.

Liam Delap

Liam Delap is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Bournemouth earlier this month.
While Maresca confirmed his striker will miss the Newcastle game this weekend, he admitted surprise at his recovery and remains hopeful of a return against Aston Villa (December 27).
"We said since his injury that we don't know exactly, we didn't know exactly for how long, but he's progressing very well."(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Estevao Willian

Estevao Willian is side-lined with a small muscle problem that also kept him out of the midweek Cardiff City game, but Maresca clarified he is also expected to return for the Villa match after Christmas.(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia is currently out with a thigh/hamstring injury and is considered a longer-term absentee, with a return not expected until early January.
Maresca did not go into any more detail of an exact return, only adding the midfielder is: "Still out."(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Levi Colwill

"Still out," was also the phrase used to describe Levi Colwill's condition.
The defender is out for the entire season after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury sustained during pre-season in August.(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Dario Essugo

After undergoing thigh surgery - in September - Dario Essugo recently suffered a setback. Maresca previously noted he needs to "slow down" his recovery, making a return before Christmas unlikely.(Image: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Opposition injuries

Newcastle United face a defensive crisis heading into this Saturday's match at St. James' Park, with several key players ruled out.
The primary concern is Dan Burn, who was forced off during last weekend's Wear-Tyne derby against Sunderland and was later confirmed to have been hospitalised.
He joins Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Nick Pope and William Osula on the Magpies' injury list.
Making potential returns against the Blues are Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Hall.(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)