Chelsea predicted line-up vs. Arsenal: Three changes expected as Palmer battles to be fitplaceholder image
Chelsea predicted line-up vs. Arsenal: Three changes expected as Palmer battles to be fit | Getty Images
The latest Chelsea team news and predicted line-up for their Premier League match against Arsenal.
Chelsea will be looking to an extend a six-match unbeaten streak when they return to Premier League action this Sunday – but their recent form will be given a stern test by an on-song Arsenal side, and Enzo Maresca will still be without several players thanks to injury.
There is a tantalising possibility that Cole Palmer, who has now been out of action for over two months, could make a surprise comeback against the Gunners – although it may still be the case that the accident which kept him out of the wins over Burnley and Barcelona will make him one of five players who are expected to be unavailable this weekend.
We’ve got all the latest team news and updates on Palmer and his stricken team-mates below, along with our prediction for Maresca’s starting line-up for the game against Arsenal.
Could Cole Palmer play against Arsenal?
Palmer had been pushing to make his comeback from a persistent groin injury after the international break before the he hurt himself once again in the most unlikely of circumstances – the attacking midfielder fractured his toe after kicking it against a door in his own house.
Maresca had initially told the press that the fresh injury would rule him out until after the game against Arsenal, but raised the slight possibility that he could play this weekend in comments ahead of the impressive 3-0 midweek win over Barcelona.
“He is already on the pitch, touching the ball, and the feeling is good,” Maresca said of Palmer’s condition. “At the moment, we are only looking at [the game against Barcelona]… then we will look ahead to Arsenal. I don't think he will be available… but he’s doing well.”
Hardly an entirely positive update, but one which at least hints at the chance that he could make his long-awaited return to action at Stamford Bridge on Sunday if all goes well. A comeback against Leeds United next weekend looks more likely, however.
Roméo Lavia among four our for Chelsea this weekend
There is still little clarity on when luckless midfielder Roméo Lavia, who picked up a thigh injury against Qarabag in the Champions League recently, will be able to return to the line-up – some reports have suggested a mid-December return is a possibility, but Maresca has refused to be drawn into announcing a specific target date.
It is at least hoped that the Belgian midfielder will be back in action before youngster Dário Essugo, who may be back in training next month as he completes his rehabilitation from a thigh injury of his own which has ruled him out since September. Essugo is likely to be available for selection again in the new year.
Joining Lavia and Essugo on the sidelines for the foreseeable future are Levi Colwill, who may not play this season after suffering a ruptured ACL, and Mykhaylo Mudryk, who remains suspended for alleged doping violations.
With no new injury problems reported following the Champions League win over Barcelona, Maresca is not expected to make too many changes, although Liam Delap could start up front once more in place of Pedro Neto after scoring as a substitute on Tuesday evening.
Predicted Chelsea line-up vs. Arsenal: Sánchez; Cucurella, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, James; Fernández, Caicedo; Garnacho, João Pedro, Neto; Delap.
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