Enzo Maresca had an almost fully-fit squad to choose from today as Chelsea host Brighton in the Premier League, with Reece James still sidelined.
The Blues have midfielder Romeo Lavia back on the bench after a hamstring problem, while Malo Gusto is also available and starts having come through 45 minutes unscathed against Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round in midweek.
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The Frenchman had missed the previous two league matches and his return is welcome as Maresca confirmed the club still do not know when James will be fit to feature for the first time this season.
Maresca made 11 changes to his side for the 5-0 victory over Barrow and had several difficult decisions to make as the Blues target the first home league victory of his tenure today.
Despite that comprehensive showing against the League Two leaders, Maresca returns to the bulk of the team that beat West Ham 3-0 last Saturday, with the fit-again Gusto replacing Tosin Adarabioyo at the back.
Perhaps the Chelsea boss’s biggest headache came up front, after Christopher Nkunku netted a hat-trick in midweek, following on from Nicolas Jackson’s brace against the Hammers.
Jackson gets the nod this afternoon, with Nkunku on the bench. However, there is no Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the squad at all, along with the likes of Beniot Badiashile, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Subs: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Lavia, Neto, Mudryk, Joao Felix, Nkunku
Injured: James
Date and time: 3pm BST on Saturday, September 28, 2024
Venue: Stamford Bridge
