Palmer, Gusto, James - Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Bournemouth

Chelsea are back in Premier League action this weekend when they take on AFC Bournemouth. Enzo Maresca may be forced to experiment with his defensive line though due to a number of injury concerns.

The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace before the international break to leave them 11th in the Premier League season. They travel to the Vitality Stadium looking to climb up the table but there could be many first team players out.

Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho and Romeo Lavia have all been working at Cobham during the international break. Cole Palmer has also returned to training after he withdrew from England duty.

Here, football.london looks at the latest injury news at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer

Injury: Unknown

Palmer has started the new season just as he finished the previous one with five goal contributions in the first five games in all competitions. He was called-up to the England squad but he withdrew last week and returned to Chelsea.

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He has since been spotted in training and is expected to be available on Sunday.

Possible return date: Vs Southampton (A) (September 14).

Reece James

Injury: Hamstring

The Chelsea captain has missed the first three games of the 2024/25 season with a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season. No update has emerged on the right-back but there had been hope he could return after the international break.

However, reports have claimed that he is still a couple of weeks away from returning to training.

Possible return date: Vs Brighton (H) (September 28).

Malo Gusto

Injury: Thigh

Another right-back injured for Chelsea, Gusto was forced off against Crystal Palace with a thigh injury. The issue forced him to withdraw from the France U21 squad and is now a doubt for Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.

Maresca said before the international break: "We will see what happens. It looks like a muscle problem and we are going to see."

Possible return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia

Injury: Hamstring

Lavia is one player who has been constantly unfortunate with injuries at Chelsea. His first season at the club was ruined by setbacks and after impressing against Manchester City on the opening day, he has missed the last two games.

Maresca described his problem as "not a huge concern" so there's hope he can return for Saturday.

Possible return date: Vs Southampton (A) (September 14).