Palmer, Delap, Lavia - Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Brentford

Liam Delap and Cole Palmer (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be hoping to welcome back some of his injured players during the September international break after being forced to be without utilising his squad in the first three games of the season.

After beating West Ham United and Fulham, the Blues are preparing to build on their good start to the season when they return to action next week. Maresca's men play seven times across three competitions upon the end of the international break before the next one.

That run includes tough tests against Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool. Chelsea will be hoping that their injury list is trimmed by the time they travel to Brentford on September 13 (8pm kick-off).

Cole Palmer

Palmer played in the first game of the season against Crystal Palace and was expected to feature against West Ham. However, the England international was forced to pull out of the squad after sustaining a groin problem in the warm-up.

Maresca admitted later that Palmer had played through the issue on opening weekend. As a result, the forward has been omitted from the latest England squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

Possible return date: September

Liam Delap

The summer signing became the latest injury problem at Chelsea after being forced off in the 2-0 win over Fulham. Delap immediately grabbed his right hamstring after chasing an early long ball.

Maresca confirmed afterwards that the English striker would be out for six to eight weeks. However, it has been reported that Delap could be out for longer than first feared.

Possible return date: Unknown

What Maresca has said: " Liam's injury doesn't look good in terms of, he was full speed, hamstring, so that required, like always, weeks.

"And then in terms of another striker, to be honest, we just finished the game from the changing room and came here for the press conference, so now after, when we finish, we're going to sit and we'll see if we take any decision. That's all."

Romeo Lavia

Lavia's injury problems in west London have held him back from producing a serious run in the team. The midfielder has not played since the Club World Cup win over Benfica due to a muscle issue.

Maresca said before the win last weekend that he hoped the Belgian would be closer to a return after this month's international break. However, he won't return straight away with Chelsea expected to build his fitness up.

Possible return date: September/October

What Maresca has said: "I'm always worried but with Romeo and Benoit, because it is a long time out, it is normal they need time. It's the same what we're doing with Wes [Fofana].

"Romeo and Benoit, I don't think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer."

Benoit Badiashile

Like Lavia, Badiashile has missed the start of the season due to a problem picked up in the win over Benfica. Levi Colwill's anterior cruciate ligament injury means the Blues could do with the former AS Monaco defender being back.

The central defender is hoped to be back after the international break.

Possible return date: September/October

What Maresca has said: "I'm always worried but with Romeo and Benoit, because it is a long time out, it is normal they need time. It's the same what we're doing with Wes [Fofana].

"Romeo and Benoit, I don't think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer."