Chelsea have both Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto back in the matchday squad to face Aston Villa in the Premier League today, while Moises Caicedo looks set to operate in defence.
Both Gusto and Neto missed last weekend’s 2-1 victory away at Leicester, Gusto through illness and Neto with a knock picked up playing for Portugal during the recent international break.
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Neither player was part of the travelling squad for Thursday night’s Conference League victory over Heidenheim, but ahead of that game manager Enzo Maresca issued a positive injury update.
“Both have trained with us,” the Italian said on Wednesday. “We don't take a risk for tomorrow but both I think can be available for Sunday's game."
Gusto’s availability will be particularly important, given the Blues remain without captain Reece James.
James suffered a fresh hamstring injury in training during the international break and there have been reports this week that he will not play again this year, though the club are being cautious over a timeline.
Gusto settles for a place on the bench today with Caicedo seemingly at right-back, though Neto is straight back into the team. Meanwhile, the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson are among those who were also spared the midweek trip to Germany and come straight back into the XI.
Romeo Lavia is back but starts alongside Enzo Fernandez, with the Argentine registering a goal and an assist at the King Power Stadium last weekend. Jadon Sancho is also preferred to Noni Madueke in attack.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Sancho Jackson
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga, Gusto, Madueke, Mudryk, Felix, Nkunku
Injured: James
Time and date: 1:30pm GMT today, Sunday December 1, 2024
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV channel: Sky Sports
