Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces a significant midfield reshuffle as his side prepares for a Premier League clash against a struggling Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night. The Blues travel north aiming to extend their unbeaten run to eight games, but must do so without several key figures.
Leeds United Injury Concerns Mount
Pressure is building on Leeds boss Daniel Farke with his team now in the relegation zone. His selection headaches are compounded by fresh fitness issues following Saturday's defeat to Manchester City.
Defender James Justin was substituted on his first league start of the season, though Farke later suggested it was a planned change and not a serious injury. More concerning is the setback for midfielder Daniel James, who made his first start since August only to pick up a problem that "did not look too good" and could sideline him "for a while".
Midfielder Anton Stach is a doubt as he must pass the FA's concussion protocols after missing the City game. Sean Longstaff is definitely out for a month with a calf injury, while defender Sebastiaan Bornauw is a doubt but could be in line for his Premier League debut.
Chelsea's Midfield Crisis
The Blues' gritty 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday came at a cost. Moises Caicedo will serve the first match of his suspension after being sent off, a decision Maresca accepted. His absence is keenly felt.
"We are a better team with Moises," Maresca admitted in his pre-match press conference, "but when he is not available we have to find a solution, we have to do something different."
The situation is worsened by the continued unavailability of midfielders Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo. Maresca revealed Essugo had a setback in training and will be out again, while Lavia continues his recovery. Long-term absentee Levi Colwill remains out with an ACL injury.
Palmer's Return Managed
In a positive update, Maresca confirmed the return of star attacker Cole Palmer, who was absent against Arsenal. However, the manager hinted his minutes may be managed, stating Palmer is unlikely to be ready for a full 90 minutes.
Chelsea, currently third in the table and six points off the top, will need to dig deep to overcome these absences against a Leeds side desperate for points. The stage is set for a tense encounter under the Elland Road lights.
