Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday night as they make the short trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford.

The Blues will have the chance to move top of the league table if they can record three points against the Bees away from home for the first time since 2021. Liverpool travel to Burnley on Sunday afternoon, so boasting top spot could be only temporary, but Chelsea will hope to apply pressure to last season's champions.

However, Enzo Maresca could be without a whole host of players for the Blues' second successive west London derby. Dario Essugo is unavailable with the 20-year-old midfielder suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with Portugal Under-21s. Essugo underwent surgery on Tuesday and will now begin his rehabilitation at Chelsea's Surrey training base.

READ MORE: Dario Essugo supported by three Chelsea teammates as injury statement released

READ MORE: Chelsea star handed suspension blow to add to nightmare injury scenario

Levi Colwill remains sidelined after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in pre-season, with the defender set to miss the majority of the campaign. Liam Delap is expected to be absent for several weeks after limping off with a hamstring injury in the win against Fulham before the international break.

Meanwhile, photos have emerged of Cole Palmer, who has missed the last two matches because of a groin injury, back in first team training this week but whether or not he is ready for the trip to Brentford remains to be seen. Maresca is expected to clarify whether the 23-year-old is fit enough to take part when the Chelsea head coach holds his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Similar can be said for Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia. Both long-term absentees, the pair were spotted back on the grass at the club's training base earlier in the week. Given both of their injury records, though, this Saturday may well come too soon for them, with Maresca looking to be cautious to avoid further problems down the line.

There will be a concern regarding Tyrique George, too, who withdrew from the England Under-21 camp with an injury problem. Brentford, meanwhile, will be sweating on the fitness of a few players for Saturday's clash with Chelsea.

Vitaly Janelt has been missing since April with a heel problem but is closing in on a return to action. The German midfielder played in the first-half of Brentford Under-21s' 4-0 victory against Wigan Athletic earlier in the week and could be part of Keith Andrews' squad this weekend.

Edmond-Paris Maghoma is yet to feature this season but could be available this weekend, while Yunus Emre Konak is in a similar position. However, Gustavo Nunes is set to continue on the sidelines this weekend.