Chelsea injury update: Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo latest news and return dates

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Xabi Alonso is sweating over a number of injuries as Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture draws ever closer.

The Blues will host Bournemouth in just nine days’ time, but, as things stand, they could be without as many as eight first-team players for the match.

Luckily, a number of those injuries are thought to be minor. But some members of the squad could be facing extended absences.

With that said, here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates…

Joao Pedro is on the comeback trail after picking up a knee injury which ruled him out of Chelsea’s final match before the international break – the 3-0 loss to Brentford.

He picked up the issue during the 2-2 draw with Hull the weekend prior. Xabi Alonso suggested before the trip to the Gtech that he might face a late fitness test, but the Brazilian did not make the trip and subsequently pulled out of international duty for the September-October break.

Standard Sport exclusively revealed this week that Joao Pedro has been seeing a specialist in London during the international break.

It is hoped he will be fit to return when Chelsea host Bournemouth after the international break.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Joao PedroGettyCole PalmerCole Palmer has shaken off the groin injury which plagued him for so much of last season, but he has been struck down with another minor muscular problem.

That forced him to withdraw from England duty in this international break, much to Thomas Tuchel’s frustration.

Chelsea are looking to manage his workload during the break as they look to avoid a repeat of last season’s woes.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Cole PalmerGettyMoises CaicedoMoises Caicedo has managed just 14 minutes of competitive football so far this season, due to a calf injury suffered in pre-season.

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He missed the Blues’ first two matches of the season before returning off the bench to face Brighton, but he was forced off again after less than a quarter of an hour. Alonso later apologised for rushing him back.

It seemed he had been close to a comeback before the Brentford match, but Alonso chose not to risk him and will hope he is fit following the international break.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Moises CaicedoGettyReece JamesAs has so often been the case in his career, Reece James has suffered a hamstring injury.

He has not featured for the Blues since the match at Hull, of which he played the full duration, subsequently missing training and the trip to Brentford.

Thomas Tuchel confirmed injury was behind his exclusion from this England squad, while Alonso said before the Brentford match: “He had a little injury in his hamstring.

“He tried, we waited until this morning but he couldn’t make it. Now we have enough time to prepare for the next one. He was just short of recovering.”

He will hope to be back in contention after the international break.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Reece JamesAFP/GettyMarco PalestraSummer signing Marco Palestra is yet to make his Chelsea debut after picking up a quad injury in August, a fact which Alonso says has left the player frustrated.

He appears to be making positive progress, though, and was pictured in full first-team training this week alongside the likes of Levi Colwill and Danny Welbeck. He should be back in contention when the Cherries head to Stamford Bridge.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Marco PalestraGettyEmmanuel EmeghaMuch like Palestra, summer signing Emegha has yet to appear in a competitive match for Chelsea.

The Dutch striker signed from Strasbourg in the summer but has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in August.

He has since returned to training, though, and will hope to make his first-team bow sooner rather than later.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

There is concern around the highly-rated young shot-stopper Mike Penders after he picked up a quad injury on Belgium duty.

He was subsequently left out of the squad for the Red Devils’ match against France on Monday.

Penders has not withdrawn from the squad, though, suggesting his problem is not serious.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)

Perhaps Chelsea’s most serious injury suffered this international break is to Jamie Gittens, who took a kick to the ankle while representing England’s Under-21s against Kazakhstan and left the stadium on crutches. He was also pictured wearing a protective boot.

He has returned to Cobham for further assessments, and no update has yet been offered on his condition.