Moises Caicedo and Estevao Willian will return to the Chelsea starting lineup when they host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League when they welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. Enzo Maresca has no new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Cole Palmer is the most notable absentee due to his groin and toe issues. The English international accompanies Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo (hamstring), and Romeo Lavia (thigh) in the treatment room.
Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable due to a suspension after failing a doping test several months ago. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Maresca provided a fitness update on Palmer.
The Chelsea manager said, “Yes, Cole is wearing a boot. We don’t know when [he will be back to full fitness], but it will be soon. He is already on the pitch and already touching the ball. The feeling is good.”
“At the moment, we are only looking at tomorrow’s game. It’s a Champions League game against Barcelona, that is our focus and then we will look ahead to Arsenal. I don’t think he will be available for these two games, but he is doing well.”
Maresca also discussed Estevao’s form during his presser. The Chelsea boss said, “Estevao is already playing at a high level and is starting games for Brazil. He is very young and for sure can do many things better, but we are very happy with him. It’s nice for people who love football to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, Pedri. We are happy that Estevao is with us.”
“Estevao is going to be an important player for this club in the future, no doubt. The most important thing for Estevao now is that he has to enjoy his football, he has to be happy, and not think about being better than this player or that player. He just has to be better than himself day by day, work hard and improve, and for sure he will be a top player for this club.”
Robert Sanchez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Barcelona on Tuesday. The backline will feature Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Cucurella.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the double pivot. Joao Pedro will reprise the no. 10 role, with Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto being the two wide attackers. Finally, Liam Delap will lead the line for the home side against Barcelona on Tuesday.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap