Chelsea XI vs Southampton: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League today

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Evening Standard

·4 December 2024

Chelsea XI vs Southampton: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League today

Enzo Maresca forced to make change in defence

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Fofana was forced off on the hour-mark during Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa because of a hamstring problem, with Maresca suggested could rule the defender out for up to a dozen games.

Speaking on Tuesday, Maresca revealed the club were still awaiting an update on the defender’s fitness.

“We don’t have any update at the moment in terms of it happened two days ago, we have to wait a bit,” he said.

The choice in a new partner for Levi Colwill would appear to come down to Benoit Badiashile, who replaced Fofana on Sunday but is, like Colwill, left-footed, or Tosin Adarabioyo. Maresca also has Axel Disasi as an option but the Frenchman did not even make the bench against Villa.

Elsewhere, Maresca must decide how much to rotate ahead of the weekend’s London derby against Tottenham. Noni Madueke will likely come back into the side after being benched against Villa.

Reece James remains injured for Chelsea

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Malo Gusto could also start, while Maresca could continue to be cautious with Romeo Lavia’s workload by benching the Belgian and pushing Moises Caicedo back into midfield.

Top-scorer Christopher Nkunku is also pushing for a first Premier League start since the opening day of the season, but may have to wait, with Nicolas Jackson in prolific form.

Reece James is still facing “weeks” out of action with a hamstring injury.

Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Injured: Fofana, James

Time and date: 7:30pm GMT tonight on Wednesday December 4, 2024

Venue: St Mary’s Stadium

TV channel and live stream: Amazon Prime Video

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