Chelsea XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for friendly today

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Evening Standard

·8 de agosto de 2025

Chelsea XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for friendly today

Marquee signings could be on display when Chelsea take on the Bundesliga outfit

Chelsea’s summer signings could all feature at Stamford Bridge tonight

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Chelsea could hand debuts to three of their summer signings against Bayer Leverkusen.

Willian Estevao, Jamie Gittens, and Jorrel Hato are in line to feature for the very first time today as the Blues begin their mini pre-season campaign.

Elsewhere, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap could also be set for home debuts after impressing at the Club World Cup.

Enzo Maresca had injury headaches over Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Enzo Fernandez after the Club World Cup final, but after three weeks off since the Blues’ triumph in the United States, all four should be available for selection.

Wesley Fofana is back in training, although this game is likely to come too soon, while Levi Colwill faces a lengthy period on the sidelines after undergoing successful knee surgery.

The game is Chelsea’s first since that 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, when the Blues were crowned world champions thanks to Cole Palmer’s brace and Joao Pedro’s third goal in two games.

The Blues take on AC Milan in their final preparation on Sunday before their Premier League curtain-raiser against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace next weekend.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Delap

Doubts: Essugo, Badiashile, Lavia, Fernandez

Injured: Fofana, Colwill

Time and date: 7pm BST today, Friday August 8, 2025

How to watch: 5 and DAZN

Venue: Stamford Bridge