Chelsea’s Champions League campaign reaches a defining junction in Naples, and there is a welcome sense of reinforcement rather than depletion as the Blues prepare to face Napoli. This is a night where calculation meets urgency, and where the margins between comfort and complication remain thin.
The most notable boost comes with Cole Palmer’s return. After missing the 1-0 win over Pafos and Sunday’s 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace due to a minor thigh strain, Palmer has trained throughout the week at Cobham and travelled with the squad. His availability adds clarity to a Chelsea predicted lineup that had briefly felt underpowered.
Palmer Return Lifts Attacking Options
Liam Rosenior confirmed Palmer’s inclusion, aware of the significance of the occasion. Chelsea need to win and hope other results fall kindly if they are to finish in the top eight and secure automatic passage to the last 16. Anything less risks the added burden of a play-off round.
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There is also encouragement in goal. Filip Jorgensen, forced off against Pafos, has recovered quicker than expected following a scan and returns to the squad. Freddy Bernal and Max Merrick are also travelling, although Robert Sanchez is expected to start between the posts at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
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Injuries Continue to Shape Choices
Chelsea’s options are not without constraint. Tosin Adarabioyo remains sidelined after limping off against Brentford, while Dario Essugo faces three weeks out following an unfortunate slip in training. Longer-term absentees Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia are also missing, although Lavia has resumed a level of training as his rehabilitation progresses.
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Despite those setbacks, the intention is clear. Chelsea are expected to go strong, mindful that finishing inside the top eight avoids two extra matches in an already demanding calendar. Heading into the final round, they sit eighth, balanced precariously between reward and complication.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup Takes Shape
Rosenior has a decision to make up front, with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro both available. There may also be rotation on the flanks, with Sunday’s match-winner Estevao potentially rested, allowing Pedro Neto to operate on the right and Alejandro Garnacho to feature on the left.
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Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Delap
Injured: Lavia, Colwill, Tosin, Essugo
Kick-off is at 8pm GMT on Wednesday January 28, 2026, live on TNT Sports.