Mike Penders and Estevao Willian will return to a much-changed Chelsea lineup when they host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Chelsea will aim to secure a spot in the EFL Cup fourth round when they welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. Xabi Alonso has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Moises Caicedo remains the most notable absentee as he continues to recover from a muscular issue. The Ecuadorian international accompanies Marco Palestra (unspecified), Jordan Henderson (wrist), and Emmanuel Emegha (hamstring) in the treatment room.
However, Levi Colwill should be available to take on Leeds United after being an unused substitute against Arsenal this past weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Alonso provided fitness updates on the injured quartet.
The Chelsea manager said, “No, not yet. They [Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra] are still not ready to go, and it’s not the moment to take an early risk. So we go game by game with them, but it’s too early.”
“It’s especially [frustrating] for him [Palestra]. He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the Premier League. He had a very good pre-season and a few days before the first game against Fulham, he picked up an injury. It’s part of the life of a football player to come back from injury and we will need him for sure. He has great potential and will add a lot of good qualities we need in the team.”
Mike Penders should replace Emiliano Martinez between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in front of him against Leeds United on Wednesday. The central defensive unit will feature Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, and Levi Colwill. Meanwhile, Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria should start as the two wing-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Valentin Barco will join Romeo Lavia in the central areas, with Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian being the two advanced midfielders. Finally, Danny Welbeck will lead the line for the home side against Leeds United. So, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, and Reece James will be among the backup options on the bench for the Blues.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Lavia, Barco, Chavarria; Estevao, Palmer; Welbeck
