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

Enzo Maresca now has almost a fully-fit Blues squad, though suspensions bite hard for Anfield trip

Chelsea will be missing both Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella for today’s huge meeting with Liverpool in the Premier League.

Fofana and Cucurella have both started every league game to this point in 2024/25 and Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will no doubt be frustrated at having to rejig a settled defence for such a big game against the early leaders.

Summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi are the main contenders to take Fofana’s place at centre-back, while Cucurella’s absence could see Renato Veiga redeployed or even a first league appearance of the season for Ben Chilwell.

However, Maresca also has the option of pushing Levi Colwill to left-back, though with Fofana out that would mean fielding an entirely new centre-back pairing.

In better news, Reece James returned to full training during the international break and is available for selection at Anfield.

James has been plagued by hamstring injuries over the past year and underwent surgery midway through last season in a bid to resolve the issue.

Comeback: Captain Reece James returned to full training with Chelsea during the international break

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

He returned to fitness during pre-season, only to suffer another issue and is yet to play a minute of competitive action so far this term.

After so many issues, Chelsea are sure to take a cautious approach with their club captain and he will, at best, be on the bench on Merseyside.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Injured: Kellyman

Doubt: James

Suspended: Fofana, Cucurella

Time and date: 4:30pm BST on Sunday October 20, 2024

Venue: Anfield

TV channel: Sky Sports