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Chelsea are a team in form as they prepare to travel north for a midweek visit to Leeds United on Wednesday in Premier League action.
The Blues were reduced to 10 men before halftime against leaders Arsenal on the weekend, but still managed to hold out for a 1-1 draw that left them third in the standings amidst a crowded top half of the table.
That result left Chelsea with now seven straight matches without defeat, including wins over Tottenham and Barcelona in that span.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
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Chelsea lineup vs. Leeds: Projected starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Sanchez (GK)
Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella
James, E. Fernandez
Neto, Palmer, Estevao
Delap
Chelsea team news
The red card suspension for Moises Caicedo presents the perfect opportunity to start Cole Palmer, with Enzo Fernandez moving back into the base of midfield. However, if Palmer is not ready to return to a starting role just yet, Andrey Santos could slot in.
At the back, Wesley Fofana is in good form, but he could be rotated out to protect him from consistent injury issues, with Tosin Adarabioyo brought in.
Estevao is likely to remain in the XI as he continues to impress, and Pedro Neto is a mainstay in the attack. The biggest question for Enzo Maresca is who starts up front, as Joao Pedro could continue in his striker role or Liam Delap could get an opportunity.
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Chelsea injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Chelsea, including estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Romeo Lavia
Injury: Thigh muscle injury
Expected return date: December 2025
Lavia has a muscle issue that saw him remain on the sidelines until well after the November international break. Maresca hopes the injury is not serious, but a return in December at the earliest is the optimistic view.
Dario Essugo
Injury: Thigh injury
Expected return date: Late December 2025
Essugo arrived at Chelsea carrying a thigh injury following his loan return to Sporting CP from Las Palmas.
While there has been little confirmed reporting on his return, there has been recent speculation that he might be out until early 2026.
Levi Colwill
Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
Expected return date: June 2026
Colwill suffered an ACL tear in preseason and will miss the full campaign. The England international is still in the early stages of his rehabilitation.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Suspension: Doping
Expected return date: Unknown
Ukraine international Mudryk has not been available for selection since December 2024 after failing a doping test.
Leeds vs. Chelsea match details
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. local / 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 a.m. AEDT (Dec. 4)
Location: Elland Road (Leeds, England)
Competition: Premier League, Matchweek 14
Referee: Darren England
VAR: Paul Howard
Chelsea news and related links