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

Blues are juggling injuries in defence

Wesley Fofana is expected to come into the Chelsea team for the visit of Bournemouth.

Benoit Badiashile came in for Fofana, but that change could be reversed against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Maresca may have to get inventive at left-back, with scans set to reveal whether Marc Cucurella suffered a hamstring injury against Villa. The Spaniard asked to be substituted around the 70-minute mark, and was replaced by Malo Gusto. Jorrel Hato has been injured and may well miss out again.

Cole Palmer is still awaiting his first full 90 minutes in more than three months after being taken off after 72 minutes against Villa. The England international is able to play a full game, according to his manager, and was visibly annoyed to be taken off on Saturday, so he may last longer against the Cherries.

Maresca has the option of using captain Reece James at right-back or in midfield, where he kept Enzo Fernandez out of the team against Newcastle on December 20.

The Chelsea head coach can also choose between Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens on the left wing.

Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo remain long-term absentees for the Blues.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro

Doubts: Cucurella, Hato

Injured: Lavia, Colwill, Essugo

Time and date: 7:30pm GMT on Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge

How to watch: Sky Sports