Chelsea XI vs Crystal Palace: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·17. August 2025

Chelsea XI vs Crystal Palace: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

World champions return to domestic action against familiar foes

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

OneFootball Videos

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Trevoh Chalobah will be available for Chelsea today as they kick off their Premier League campaign.

Crystal Palace visit the world champions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but the Blues are without a key player since Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during training.

That came days after Chalobah hobbled off with an ankle injury in their pre-season friendly against AC Milan.

But Maresca has since allayed fears of a lay-off for Chalobah and believes he could play against his former club Palace on Sunday.

“Trev is okay,” he said. The England international is expected to feature if called upon.

Asked whether Wesley Fofana is available, Maresca said: “He could be available. We will see.”

Tosin Adarabioyo, though, has reportedly picked up a knock in training, opening the door for Josh Acheampong to start in the middle. Maresca could also opt for Jorrel Hato there, though the Dutchman is more comfortable as a full back.

Romeo Lavia has not featured for Chelsea since completing 85 minutes in a round of 16 win over Benfica at the Club World Cup, when he suffered a “small muscle problem”.

Speaking on Friday morning, Maresca said: “Benoit [Badiashile] is in the process of coming back, Romeo [Lavia] the same.”

In midfield, Maresca has more options now that Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos have joined the club, but he is likely to start Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez next to each other, with Cole Palmer either as a No10 or on the right wing.

Maresca must decide whether to select Joao Pedro or Liam Delap up front. One option would be to play Pedro as a winger, though he has staked a claim to lead the line alone after starring at the Club World Cup and continuing that form in pre-season.