Chelsea XI vs Crystal Palace: Nkunku in - Starting lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest

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Evening Standard

·24 December 2023

Mauricio Pochettino has Moises Caicedo back and available for Chelsea against Crystal Palace, while Christopher Nkunku makes his first start.

Caicedo missed the 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Christmas Eve due to illness and his availability is a big boost for the Blues.

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But Enzo Fernandez and Lesley Ugochukwu have both been ruled out of the Palace game because of injury.

"Enzo no but we hope Moi yes,” said Pochettino when asked about the chances of Caicedo and Fernandez being fit.

"Moi was better on Sunday. He had a high fever and that is why he isolated. We hope he can train a little bit and be ready for Palace."

Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer are suspended, as Nkunku, who scored off the bench against Wolves, comes into the side.

Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Reece James, and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined.

Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Colwill, Caicedo, Gallagher, Mudryk, Nkunku, Maatsen, Jackson

Time and date: 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday December 27, 2023