Chelsea Injury Update & Predicted Lineup vs Leicester City: Badiashille Back, Sancho to Return

As the final international break of the year concludes, Chelsea faces a series of injury concerns ahead of their upcoming match against Leicester City. Manager Enzo Maresca has dealt with numerous fitness issues this season, though the situation has improved in recent weeks, allowing him to rotate his squad more effectively across domestic and cup competitions. However, fresh injury updates suggest some challenges for the Blues.

Cole Palmer’s Fitness Concern

Cole Palmer was a fitness worry going into Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, having missed a training session earlier in the week following a heavy tackle by Lisandro Martinez during the match against Manchester United. Although Palmer played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal, he appeared to struggle with discomfort post-match and was omitted from the England squad for the international break. His availability for the Leicester match remains uncertain, with a potential return on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

Romeo Lavia’s Hamstring Injury

Romeo Lavia was substituted in the 69th minute against Arsenal, and a “small knock” was reported. Despite hoping to recover in time for Belgium’s match against Israel, Lavia was not included in the squad for the international break due to a hamstring issue. Belgium’s head coach Domenico Tedesco confirmed that Lavia felt discomfort on the morning of the match, and they opted not to take any risks with the injury.

Predicted Starting XI vs Leicester City

Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for their match against Leicester City, with Badiashile making his return to the defense and Sancho potentially rejoining the squad. The predicted lineup is as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Jorgensen
• Defenders: Renato Veiga, Disasi, Badiashile, Cucurella
• Midfielders: Enzo, Dewsbury-Hall
• Attacking Midfielders: Chukwuemeka, Joao Felix, Mudryk
• Striker: Nkunku

As the international break winds down, Maresca will hope to have a fully fit squad available for this crucial fixture against his former club.