Chelsea will take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, November 22, 2025, without seven key players — a lineup depleted not by suspension, but by sheer bad luck. The injury crisis has reached critical levels, yet the team remains third in the Premier League with 28 points from 14 games. How? Because depth, grit, and one standout performer are holding the ship together.
The Palmer Blow
The biggest blow? Cole Palmer. The 23-year-old English attacking midfielder, who had been inches away from returning after a groin injury that sidelined him since September 21, 2025, fractured a small toe in a home accident — literally, while getting up in the middle of the night. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s 45-year-old Argentine manager, didn’t mince words: "He is not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure, Arsenal for sure." The timing couldn’t be worse. Palmer had been Chelsea’s most creative spark this season, his movement unlocking defenses and his set-pieces turning tight games into wins. His absence isn’t just about goals or assists — it’s about rhythm. "The teammates are better players with Cole playing," Maresca said. "We all want Cole inside the pitch."The Long Injury List
Palmer isn’t alone. Levi Colwill, the 22-year-old center-back, has been out since day one of the season. Romeo Lavia, the Belgian-British anchor in midfield, remains sidelined. Liam Delap, the powerful forward, is still recovering from a hamstring strain. And then there’s Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto, both of whom used the international break to rehab — not play. Even Moisés Caicedo, the Ecuadorian dynamo who’s been the team’s most consistent performer, isn’t 100%. He played 180 minutes for Ecuador during the November international window and looks tired. Maresca admitted: "He’s not at full fitness. But he’s still the guy we need on the pitch."The Silver Lining: Caicedo and Badiashile
Here’s the twist: Moisés Caicedo has become Chelsea’s secret weapon. With 3 goals and 5 assists in 14 Premier League appearances, he’s doing the work of two players — tracking back, intercepting, driving forward, even scoring from outside the box. Former Manchester City legend Yaya Touré publicly praised him, calling his energy "unreal for a midfielder his age." And now, after weeks on the sidelines, Benoit Badiashile is back. The 23-year-old French center-back, who missed three months with a knee issue, trained fully on Friday. His return doesn’t fix everything, but it’s a relief. "We needed him," Maresca said. "He brings calm. He reads the game like a veteran."
Burnley’s Own Troubles
Burnley aren’t exactly flying either. Their top striker, Armando Broja, is out after an ankle setback during Albania’s international duty. Their captain, Jordan, is also sidelined — though details remain scarce. The Clarets sit just above the relegation zone, desperate for points. This isn’t a mismatch. It’s a battle of resilience. Burnley know Chelsea are vulnerable. Chelsea know Burnley are dangerous on the counter. And with both teams missing key men, it’s going to be messy. Physical. Unpredictable.What’s Next? The Crucial Trio
This match isn’t just about three points. It’s the first of three in eight days: Burnley on Saturday, then Champions League clash against FC Barcelona on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, followed by a London derby against Arsenal Football Club on Sunday, November 30. That’s the real test. Can Chelsea’s squad depth survive three high-stakes games in eight days? Maresca’s answer? "The way the team is dealing with problems is very good." That’s not confidence — it’s necessity.
Why This Matters
Chelsea’s third-place position is more than just pride. It’s a direct ticket to next season’s Champions League. Lose momentum now, and Liverpool, Manchester United, or even Tottenham could overtake them. Meanwhile, Burnley’s survival hopes hinge on points like these. A win here could spark a run. A loss could sink them. This isn’t just football. It’s survival.And here’s the quiet truth: Chelsea haven’t lost since Palmer went down. That’s not luck. That’s character. That’s the team finding a new identity — one without its most gifted playmaker. And if Caicedo keeps playing like this? They might not need him.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Palmer’s injury affect Chelsea’s attacking options?
Cole Palmer’s absence leaves Chelsea without their most creative midfielder and set-piece specialist. He had 4 goals and 7 assists in 13 games before his injury. Without him, Maresca is likely to shift to a 4-3-3 with non-traditional playmakers like Caicedo or Nkunku pushing forward, reducing overall attacking fluidity. His absence also weakens Chelsea’s ability to break down low blocks — a key challenge against Burnley and Arsenal.
Why is Moisés Caicedo so vital right now?
Caicedo has been Chelsea’s engine since the start of the season, covering more ground than any other midfielder in the Premier League this year (averaging 14.2 km per game). He’s scored 3 goals and provided 5 assists, often stepping into advanced roles when others are out. His defensive discipline also allows Chelsea to play with a single pivot, which is crucial with Lavia and Fernández both injured. He’s the only player who can hold the team together tactically.
Can Chelsea maintain their top-four position with this injury list?
It’s possible, but unlikely without a major turnaround. Chelsea have lost only twice since September 21, but they’ve drawn five games — including against bottom-half teams like Brighton and Nottingham Forest. With three tough fixtures in eight days and no rotation options, fatigue and mistakes will mount. Their best hope is winning two of the three games, especially beating Burnley and Barcelona. A slip-up against Arsenal could cost them dearly.
What’s the impact of Badiashile’s return?
Badiashile’s return gives Maresca a reliable, left-footed center-back who can play in a back three or four. He’s strong in the air, composed under pressure, and has improved his positioning dramatically since last season. With Colwill still out, Badiashile will likely partner with Wesley Fofana, offering stability. His presence reduces the need to push Caicedo or Nkunku into defensive roles, freeing them to attack — a crucial advantage against Burnley’s physical style.
Is this injury crisis unique in Chelsea’s recent history?
Not quite. In 2021, Chelsea lost 11 players to injury during a 10-game stretch, including key defenders and midfielders. They still won the Champions League. But this crisis is different: it’s hitting the attack and midfield simultaneously, not just defense. And unlike 2021, they don’t have a world-class striker like Romelu Lukaku to carry them. The margin for error is slimmer.
What’s Burnley’s strategy likely to be?
Burnley will park the bus — literally. They’ve conceded only 12 goals in 14 games, the fourth-best defensive record in the league. With Broja out, they’ll rely on Josh Brownhill and Jay Rodriguez to press high and hit on counters. Expect them to target the spaces left by Chelsea’s depleted midfield. If they can disrupt Caicedo’s rhythm early, they’ll have a real chance. Their last win at Turf Moor against a top-six side? Against Manchester United in 2023.
