Two massive games in the space of four days await Leeds United and Daniel Farke, with the manager’s future hanging in the balance at Elland Road. Chelsea come to Yorkshire on Wednesday night.
There is renewed hope and the promise of a turning point after Leeds came so close to producing a stunning comeback against Man City on Saturday. Two down at the break, Leeds equalised to make it 2-2.
It was Daniel Farke who orchestrated it. A change in formation, two proactive substitutions at half-time, and Leeds were back in it. Both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha scored for Farke’s men.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Chelsea
Daniel Farke and Enzo Maresca.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
City might have scored a late winner, but there is hope among Leeds fans again ahead of Chelsea. And boy, does Farke need it. Reports say the 49ers will sack Farke if he doesn’t get a result in the next two.
So, Farke will have been eagerly watching his old Leicester rival Enzo Maresca’s press conference on Tuesday morning, and will have heard the Italian respond when asked if star player Cole Palmer is fit.
Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca confirms Cole Palmer can play and is available
England star Palmer has endured a frustrating season, after a wonderful 2024-25 campaign topped off with winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup. He scored twice in the final against PSG.
But this season, Palmer has managed just three Premier League appearances, failing to play since a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in September. A groin problem, followed by a broken toe, has halted Palmer.
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However, he was on the bench against Arsenal on Sunday, albeit he remained an unused sub and Chelsea boss Maresca was asked if he is available to play against Leeds. Maresca said yes, but not for 90 minutes.
“He is available. He was on the bench last game. With 10 players, it was more complicated because he needs to come back in terms of fitness. The idea is to give him some minutes until he can play 90.”
Leeds United and Chelsea injury round-up ahead of clash
Palmer might be available, but Chelsea do have injury problems. Moises Caicedo’s red card against Arsenal on Sunday has compounded that, with the Ecuadorian set to miss Chelsea’s next three matches.
Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo’s injuries mean Chelsea are light in midfield without Caicedo, and Chelsea expert Jack Drury told LeedsUnited.News that midfield is an area that Farke could exploit on Wednesday.
The 11 players that could miss Leeds v Chelsea ð¤
Leeds injuries and doubts:
Dan James (out – hamstring)
Sean Longstaff (out – calf)
Anton Stach (doubt – concussion)
James Justin (knock – doubt)
Sebastiaan Bornauw (knee – doubt)
Chelsea injuries and doubts:
Moises Caicedo (out – suspension)
Mykhailo Mudryk (out – suspension)
Levi Colwill (out – knee)
Romeo Lavia (out – thigh)
Dario Essugo (out – thigh)
Reece James (doubt – fitness)
Sean Longstaff in action during Nottingham Forest v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea will also be without Mykhailo Mudryk and Levi Colwill, while Reece James is a doubt after the Chelsea manager confirmed James struggles to play 90 minutes back-to-back. Leeds also have issues.
Sean Longstaff and Dan James are out with muscle problems, but James Justin and Anton Stach should be okay to play after recent impact injuries. Sebastiaan Bornauw could also be available after a knee issue.
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