Chelsea dealt major injury concern as Cole Palmer role changes after 'important' transfer

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca will be keen for minimal injury problems to emerge over the September international break. Romeo Lavia joined the list of absentees, already including Reece James, in late August and now Malo Gusto has become a major doubt to be fit for the Blues' Premier League return against Bournemouth.

The right-back went off against Crystal Palace with a thigh issue and subsequently pulled out of France duty. Cole Palmer also returned to Cobham from England camp with Wesley Fofana joining that duo as notable omissions from Chelsea's Conference League squad due to load management.

With half of the international break over, a number of Chelsea stars have already been in action including Levi Colwill, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella. The likes of Noni Madueke and Robert Sanchez have also departed west London to represent England and Spain respectively, though neither have been called upon yet.

Given Madueke's impressive recent form, a rest for him will be a welcome sight for Maresca, but he may not be pleased by another update surrounding a different attacker. Though he is inundated with forwards, Maresca and Chelsea are preparing to welcome a new addition which could impact Palmer.

With that said, football.london rounds up some of the biggest headlines and transfer stories surrounding the Blues.

Mudryk absence

Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk was not named in Ukraine's matchday squad to face Albania in a Nations League qualifier on Saturday evening. As he was called up, and is usually a regular starter for his national team, Mudryk's absence was certainly noticeable and his omission could suggest he has picked up an injury.

Ukraine will be back in action next Tuesday and therefore it will be interesting to see if he is included or if an update arrives on his condition before that clash.

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football.london says: "Oddly an injury to Mudryk could help Maresca solve a number of short-term dilemmas. With Jadon Sancho now part of his squad, the Chelsea boss seemingly has just two spots in his front four available for up to five players.

"Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Madueke have all impressed in recent weeks though Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer are seemingly undroppable. There will be chances for Mudryk to make an impact with past comments from Maresca making it clear he is keen to help the 23-year-old improve.

"If Mudryk is set to be absent for some time, he can instead focus on getting back to full fitness while others are increasing in confidence, and though he may have to bide his time, opportunities will arrive."

Estevao plan impacting Palmer

Estevao Willian has enjoyed quite the week after being called up to the Brazil senior squad. The 17-year-old made his debut in the early hours of Saturday morning, featuring for 28 minutes off the bench against Ecuador, having contributed to six goals in his last three games for Palmeiras.

Though the teenager will not officially arrive at Stamford Bridge until next year, the plan is clear for his integration into the squad, according to his agent Andre Cury. "He can adapt to any style of play," he said. "Chelsea is a club that sees Estevao playing as a No.10. For us that is important. He can develop even more playing in the middle."

football.london says: "Chelsea clearly have high hopes for Estevao. The Brazilian wonderkid is already impressing on the global stage and it appears Cole Palmer may have played a role in the positional decision being made.

"The 22-year-old began his Chelsea career on the right before being given the freedom to roam centrally with it now understandably clear he is the Blues' first-choice No.10. With Estevao set to arrive in the next few months, he could take minutes off Palmer in the future.

"While Palmer may not be pleased by that, the decision to leave him out of the Conference League squad shows a suitable back-up option is needed and Estevao can be exactly that."