Chelsea has one more chance before the season’s second international break. With two Premier League games in between a Champions League encounter, the Blues will play three games over the next eight days (this is being written on Friday).
Before two more home games against Benfica and Liverpool, Brighton will play first at Stamford Bridge. Following these three games, Chelsea will conclude a 22-day stretch that included seven games. Since we are over the midway mark, squad rotation is still quite important.
There are several fitness issues with Enzo Maresca’s team. Cole Palmer, who has been dealing with a groin ailment for the past month, hobbled off barely 20 minutes into Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United last weekend.
On the day of the match at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old underwent a late fitness test and informed Chelsea personnel that he was fine to play. Palmer’s success was short-lived, though, and Chelsea will undoubtedly be reluctant to take a chance on him in the future.
Enzo Maresca gives Chelsea update in week of Brighton visit
Palmer is a difficult person to replace. Maresca will do his best to replace him if he is not fit enough, but no one can truly replace a player at that level. Unfortunately, because it’s against his parent club, loanee Facundo Buonanotte isn’t considered eligible.
Tyrique George might remain the false nine, and Joao Pedro could be able to take Tyrique’s place at number ten. When Moises Caicedo returned from the last international break, he wasn’t in his best form.
The left flank still faces a conundrum. After joining in the summer, Jamie Gittens hasn’t started, and Alejandro Garnacho is still not playing at his best. In SW6, Pedro Neto has frequently been utilized on the left side, and that trend may continue on Saturday with Estevao Willian on the other flank.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez is anticipated to stay. Caicedo is expected to return to the Blues’ midfield in their matchup with their previous employers. In addition, Marc Cucurella is anticipated to play against his former team, while Reece James may return to the defensive end in lieu of Malo Gusto.
