Ready to go: Enzo Maresca named Chelsea captain Reece James in the starting XI vs Atalanta
Chelsea Football Newsletter
The England star is being carefully managed back to full fitness after a recurring groin injury and fractured toe and sat out training on Monday morning as part of a rearranged plan from the club’s medical staff.
Palmer did not travel with the Chelsea squad to Bergamo, but will be available for selection against Everton in the Premier League this weekend.
Caicedo sat out the recent games against Leeds and Bournemouth as he serves a three-game domestic suspension following his red card against Arsenal, but that ban does not cross over to the Champions League so he is able to feature in Italy.
It is a strong team named by Maresca as he makes five changes from Saturday’s goalless draw at Bournemouth to freshen things up and inspire a first win in four games across all competitions.
Reece James continues in midfield but Wesley Fofana is rested as the club continyes to manage his minutes.
Chelsea are without striker Liam Delap, who begins a period out of action following the shoulder injury which forced him off after 32 minutes against Bournemouth.
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Maresca can choose from Joao Pedro over Marc Guiu up front, while Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens are selected out wide.
Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Acheampong, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Enzo, Gittens; Joao Pedro.
Substitutes: Jorgensen, Merrick, Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, Hato, Andrey Santos, Estevao, Buonanotte, Garnacho, George, Guiu.