Chelsea will be without one of their most key players this week
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
13:21, 01 Dec 2025
Cole Palmer could make his return vs Leeds
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Cole Palmer could make his return vs Leeds(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Chelsea will be without Moises Caicedo for Wednesday's trip to Leeds United having received a red card in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
The midfielder was initially given a yellow card for a studs-up challenge on the ankle of Mikel Merino but VAR advised an upgrade after replays showed the true extent of tackle.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca admitted after full-time that the tackle warranted the sending off, implying that there will be no appeal.
Caicedo has been one of Chelsea’s most influential players this season both with his general play and with three goals and an assist in 12 Premier League outings from defensive midfield. Sunday saw him receive the first red card of his career.
Meanwhile, Chelsea were boosted by the return of Cole Palmer to the matchday squad for the first time since September. Groin issues and a broken toe had kept him sidelined and the England international has still yet to get onto the pitch since sustaining his problems.
Wednesday’s game at Elland Road could see him take to the field once again. Chelsea otherwise have three senior players out, with Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia both long-term absences. Mykhailo Mudryk is currently out of the picture having been charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations back in June.
As for Leeds, Daniel James has picked up a fresh concern after complaining of hamstring issues at half-time in Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City. The winger has been beset with injury problems for the last nine months, with three separate setbacks since the beginning of pre-season.
Anton Stach is a doubt amid concussion protocols following his awkward fall against Aston Villa eight days ago, although Daniel Farke does not believe the issue sustained by James Justin at Manchester City is anything serious.
Meanwhile, Sebastiaan Bornauw’s fitness remains ambiguous having sustained knee issues ahead of the weekend while Sean Longstaff is out for at least a month with a calf injury.
Karl Darlow missed out on Saturday's matchday squad for unknown reasons. In terms of discipline, Ethan Ampadu is one yellow card away from a one-game suspension.
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