Chelsea Face Defensive Crisis as Injuries Pile Up Ahead Of Brighton Visit
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea became the first club to win the new FIFA Club World Cup, and that meant Chelsea players, managers, and staff had just 2 weeks to rest and prepare for the new season.
The Blues will face Brighton in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, and The Blues will be without Cole Palmer, Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, and Levi Colwill, who already missed the season.
CWC-linked Injury Crisis?
It’s unclear if Roméo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile will be available on Saturday, as they both haven’t played since the Club World Cup. Chelsea’s recent injury struggles suggest they may be paying for extended exertions in the USA.
Many criticized the Club World Cup tournament because it prioritized money and publicity over the rest and health of players, and as the 2025/26 season goes on, Chelsea fans are beginning to see why.
Starman Cole Palmer has been in and out of Maresca’s starting lineup this season. Although Palmer continues to be Chelsea’s most important player, Joao Pedro has carried much of Chelsea’s attacking responsibilities so far this season.
With in-form Brighton visiting this weekend, Chelsea only have one fit senior center back in Trevoh Chalobah. Although the English defender has been shaky in his recent outings, Chelsea have no choice but to rely on him against a Brighton side that scored 8 times in their last two matches in all competitions.
Anything but a win this weekend will only create a hostile environment at Stamford Bridge and around manager Enzo Maresca. However, if Chelsea continue to look unconvincing and short on options, Blues fans will have to think back to the exertions of the Club World Cup and the failure of their Sporting Directors to properly cover the squad needs.
