Nicolas Jackson will replace Christopher Nkunku in the Chelsea starting lineup against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon. And Enzo Maresca has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
While Carney Chukwuemeka (illness), Romeo Lavia (hamstring), and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (knock) have been sweating it out to regain fitness ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park. However, the trio might not be fit enough to feature this weekend.
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana (hamstring) and Benoit Badiashile (unspecified) remain on the sidelines, while Mykhailo Mudryk is indefinitely unavailable. During his pre-match press conference, Maresca provided a fitness update on several players.
The Chelsea manager said, “Reece is back and he was with us in the squad in the last game. For the last game against Ipswich, he was with us just to be with us in the squad. The plan was not to give him and minutes but tomorrow is different, we can give him minutes. We all know how important Reece is for us so hopefully he can get minutes very soon.”
“Romeo is very close and he has started to work with us. We all consider Romeo a top player, but the most important thing for this type of player is to be fit. There is no doubt when Romeo is fit he is a top player, we need to just understand how we can help him to not get injured. Kiernan is still out. Unfortunately, Wes will be out for a very long time and Benoit will be out at least until February.”
The Chelsea manager elaborated on Fofana’s issue, saying, “With Wes, we don’t know exactly how long he could be out for, but he has a hamstring injury and unfortunately we are going to lose him for a while. I have said many times that I love Wes and of course not having him available is a huge loss for us.”
With Fofana still unavailable, Tosin Adarabioyo will pair up with Levi Colwill at the heart of the defence. Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto will start as the two full-backs, with Robert Sanchez taking his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the double pivot. Cole Palmer will reprise the no. 10 role, with Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto returning as the wide attackers. Finally, Nicolas Jackson will replace Christopher Nkunku as the central striker.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
