Chelsea XI vs Leicester: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

The Blues are sweating on a few fitness concerns

Enzo Maresca will assess his players returning from international duty before pondering a potential midfield headache ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Leicester this weekend.

Romeo Lavia missed both of Belgium’s games during the break, while both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez only arrived back at the club on Thursday following games in South America.

While all three have every chance of being available, Maresca will also be wary of managing their fitness heading into a hectic part of the season.

“Today is the first session - 48 hours before the game - that we worked with 12, 13, 14 players that were with internationals,” Maresca said. “Some of them came back this morning from Argentina, from South America, so it is not easy. We will see. We still have 48 hours."

Asked about his alternative midfield options, the Italian added: “Renato Veiga did it in some games, but he also played 180 minutes with Portugal. In the cup, Cesare Casadei did very well but he also played both games with Italy U21s.

The Blues are certain to be without captain Reece James, who has had another hamstring injury setback to continue his nightmare fitness run, but Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill look set to be available despite pulling out of England duty.

Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

Doubts: Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez

Injured: James, Kellyman

Time and date: 12.30pm GMT on Saturday, November 23, 2024

Venue: King Power Stadium

TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports

Create a FREE account to continue reading

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.