Chelsea are again without Romeo Lavia as they travel to face Crystal Palace today.
Midfielder Lavia has now missed the last four Premier League matches with a hamstring problem, a run that has coincided with Chelsea’s marked dip in form during the festive period.
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“Romeo is very close, he started to work with us,” manager Enzo Maresca said during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“We all consider Romeo a top player, but the most important thing for this kind of player is to be fit. So, no doubt when Romeo is fit that he's a top player, we just need to try to understand how we can help him not get injured.”
Maresca confirmed that defender Wesley Fofana is set to be out for a “very long time” with a serious hamstring problem that could even end his season. Fellow centre-back Benoit Badiashile will also be sidelined until at least next month.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains out injured, but captain Reece James is available again and on the bench, having been an unused substitute during the 2-0 defeat by Ipswich earlier this week.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Enzo, Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Subs: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, James, Madueke, Felix, Nkunku, Guiu
Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday January 4, 2025
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
