Chelsea injury, suspension list and return dates for Nottingham Forest: Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile updates

Chelsea return to action on Saturday afternoon when they square off against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

The Blues went into the October international break having built some momentum with victories over Benfica and Liverpool, the latter being defeated courtesy of a 95th-minute winner.

As a result, Enzo Maresca's side sit in seventh position in the Premier League table ahead of a visit to the City Ground, a stadium where they sealed Champions League qualification on the final weekend of 2024-25.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at Chelsea's injury and suspension list ahead of making the trip to a team that is looking for their first win in eight attempts under Ange Postecoglou.

Cole Palmer

Status: Out

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: Unknown

While there had been hope that Palmer could return in a number of weeks, Maresca revealed at Friday's press conference that the playmaker will be sidelined until at least the end of November.

Liam Delap

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Liam Delap has already been ruled out until December with the hamstring injury that he sustained at the end of August.

Moises Caicedo

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Return date: October 18 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Despite being rested for international duty with Ecuador, Moises Caicedo did not train on Thursday and has emerged as a major doubt for this fixture.

Enzo Fernandez

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: October 18 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Enzo Fernandez was forced to withdraw from the Argentina squad over the international break due to swelling of his knee. As it stands, it appears precautionary, but the midfielder is yet to take part in training since his return to Cobham.

Levi Colwill

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Levil Colwill had surgery on a serious knee injury in early August and will not come back into contention until the closing weeks of the season at the very earliest.

Dario Essugo

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Dario Essugo suffered a thigh injury during international duty with Portugal Under-21s in September and will not be back in contention until the turn of the year.

Pedro Neto

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: October 18 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Pedro Neto has emerged as another injury doubt ahead of Saturday's game, the Portugal international seemingly picking up an issue against Hungary on Tuesday night.

Benoit Badiashile

Status: Out

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: Unknown

Benoit Badiashile is facing yet another lengthy period on the sidelines with what appears to be a recurrence of a muscle injury. Maresca has revealed that the centre-back will not return until December.