Chelsea Starting XI v Fulham: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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·7 January 2026

Chelsea Starting XI v Fulham: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Chelsea weigh returns ahead of Fulham derby

Chelsea could welcome back several senior figures for their West London derby against Fulham, a fixture that doubles as a handover moment on the touchline. This will be Calum McFarlane’s final match in temporary charge before Liam Rosenior formally takes over, and the interim staff are hopeful of improved availability.

Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana and Robert Sanchez are all pushing to be involved. Cucurella missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City as he continued to manage a hamstring issue, while Sanchez was sidelined with a minor muscle injury. Fofana’s absence was more sudden, the defender waking with a fever on the morning of the match.

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McFarlane indicated that all three would be available provided they complete a final training session at Cobham on Tuesday afternoon without issue, a boost that would add stability across the back line.

Midfield picture clarified by Caicedo return

Further forward, Cole Palmer’s fitness remains a positive subplot. The attacker completed his first full 90 minutes for club or country in three and a half months at the Etihad and will be aiming to do the same at Craven Cottage.

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McFarlane was notably enthusiastic about Andrey Santos’ impact off the bench against City, though his prospects of starting are complicated by the return of Moises Caicedo, who is back after serving a one match suspension. That availability reshapes midfield selection and likely restores Chelsea’s preferred balance.

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Estevao Willian was withdrawn at half time on Sunday to make way for Santos after a quiet opening period, a change that underlined the staff’s willingness to be decisive.

Selection constraints remain

Chelsea’s options are not without limits. Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia remain unavailable as they continue their recovery from longer term injuries, removing depth in key areas for the derby.

With that in mind, Chelsea are expected to prioritise control and continuity, especially with Rosenior observing closely ahead of his official start.