A composite image shows Cole Palmer in front of a Chelsea FC club crest
Cole Palmer could start for Chelsea against Copenhagen on Thursday
ES Composite
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia
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Enzo Maresca must decide whether to play Cole Palmer, Reece James and Christopher Nkunku against Copenhagen on Thursday after all endured spells of illness.
Chelsea lead Copenhagen 2-1 on aggregate heading into the second leg of their Conference League round of 16 tie at Stamford Bridge.
James and Palmer both trained at Cobham on Wednesday. James was ill against Leicester but appears fit now, while Palmer was also unwell that day but played in the match and missed a penalty.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Maresca said: “Cole, Reece and Christo have been in the session. Yesterday, they were not there. Today they were all here and are all back.
“Yesterday they were not even here [at the training ground], all of them. Today they trained with us. We’ll see for tomorrow if we’re going to use them.”
Defender Levi Colwill is expected to start after being selected to speak in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
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Malo Gusto will not be involved, having missed the Leicester game after being forced off early in the first leg against Copenhagen.
Romeo Lavia is awaiting his first appearance since mid-January, having returned to the matchday squad but played no part in Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win against Leicester. However, he is not part of the Blues’ Conference League squad.
Academy players Harrison Murray-Campbell, 18, Genisis Antwi, 17, Reggie Walsh, 16, and Shim Mwueka, 17, joined the first team for training on Wednesday. Mheuka made history in the first leg, coming the youngest player to start for Chelsea in a European game.
Reece James could also return for Chelsea against Copenhagen
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Acheampong; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; George, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho; Nkunku
Injured: Guiu, Jackson, Madueke, Gusto
Doubts: Palmer, James, Nkunku
Unavailable: Mudryk, Lavia, Kellyman
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Thursday March 13, 2025
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports 4