Chelsea will return to Premier League action on Saturday with a fixture against Nottingham Forest, where Enzo Maresca will look to manage a side without their key attacker.
Cole Palmer is set to miss the game, with the likes of Levi Colwill and Liam Delap also set for more time on the sidelines.
Maresca will not be present in the dugout for the game due to his red card amid the wild celebrations that followed the win against Liverpool, leaving Willy Caballero to take the reins.
The boss also has a few players’ fitness to check on following the international break. Both Reece James and Enzo Fernandez pulled out of their respective squads due to minor problems.
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side who will start the game against Forest, looking to at least temporarily help the Blues return to the top four of the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca issues instructions during Chelsea FC v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2
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Chelsea predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Robert Sanchez will retain his place in goal ahead of Filip Jorgensen, despite there still being belief that goalkeeper is a position that could be strengthened at Stamford Bridge.
As part of the cautious approach the club have taken around James, he will be replaced in the starting side by Malo Gusto, who made his mark in a central position against Liverpool.
Injuries have racked up at centre-back, however Trevoh Chalobah is ready to return after missing the last game due to suspension.
Wesley Fofana will partner the Cobham graduate, with both Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong going off with problems during the victory against Liverpool.
There was a welcome rest for Marc Cucurella in Spain’s most recent game, and he will be ready to go at the City Ground on Saturday.
Moises Caicedo will be one of the first names on the teamsheet after being handed a proper rest over the international break. There is talk of the Ecuadorian being the best midfielder in the Premier League right now.
He will be partnered by Romeo Lavia following the concern for Fernandez. Jason Cundy has shown excitement at a Lavia and Caicedo partnership.
Ahead of those two Estevao Willian will be trusted with playing in the free role against Forest, looking to provide the creativity that will be missing without Palmer.
On the right, Pedro Neto will start as he looks to keep up his very strong individual start to the season.
The opposite wing will be occupied by Alejandro Garnacho, who will continue to keep Jamie Gittens out of the team despite his strong international break with the England U21s.
Up front, Joao Pedro will be looking to put an end to his ongoing goalscoring drought. He is without a goal since the third game of the season against Fulham.