Chelsea Starting XI vs Atalanta: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea predicted lineup for Atalanta Champions League clash

Chelsea step into European action in Bergamo without their most influential creative figure, yet with a renewed sense of tactical flexibility. Cole Palmer will not be involved against Atalanta, his absence part of a carefully monitored recovery programme following a recurring groin injury and fractured toe. The England international sat out Monday’s training as Chelsea’s medical staff continued a recalibrated fitness plan, with the assurance that he will be available to return against Everton in the Premier League at the weekend.

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Enzo Maresca, however, gains an important reinforcement in midfield. Moises Caicedo is cleared to play, his three match suspension stemming from the red card against Arsenal limited solely to domestic competition. After missing the recent fixtures against Leeds and Bournemouth, the Ecuadorian’s return in the Champions League comes as a timely boost, providing dynamism and bite in central areas.

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Squad rotation possibilities

Chelsea’s approach to selection remains fluid as Maresca seeks to revive momentum following the goalless 0-0 draw at Bournemouth, which prolonged a run of four matches without victory across all competitions. Several changes are expected as the head coach freshens an evolving side balancing recovery management with competitive ambition.

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Defensively, questions remain over how extensively Maresca will reintroduce players whose minutes have been carefully controlled. The manager declined to offer clarity but confirmed options were available.

“Reece and Wes, they are both with us so they are both available for tomorrow’s game. We will see the first XI tomorrow,” Maresca said at his pre match press conference.

Both Reece James and Wesley Fofana could therefore reappear together, depending on the tactical shape Maresca favours against Atalanta’s compact attacking structure.

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Attacking reshuffle up front

In attack, adjustments are unavoidable. Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap, sidelined following the shoulder injury that forced his early withdrawal after 32 minutes against Bournemouth. His latest setback compounds a disrupted campaign following an earlier two month spell out with a hamstring issue.

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Maresca remains confident he retains versatile solutions.

“We had Liam two months out,” Maresca said. “Joao [Pedro] plays as a No9, Pedro Neto too, also Tyrique [George] as a No9. We try to find a solution. We know Liam needs to play games to be fit and be better and better. Now unfortunately he is again out.”

Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu are the principal central striking options, while Neto and George are capable of drifting inside as needed, creating positional interchange designed to unsettle organised defences.

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There may also be rotation at left back following Marc Cucurella’s heavy workload. Summer signing Jorrel Hato is the leading candidate to step in should Maresca opt for rest over continuity.

Predicted Chelsea lineup

Injuries continue to limit selection, with Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all ruled out of the Champions League encounter, while Palmer remains unavailable.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1)Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Hato, Santos, Caicedo, Estevao, Buonanotte, Garnacho, Joao Pedro

Injured: Delap, Essugo, Lavia, ColwillUnavailable: Palmer

Time and date: 8pm GMT tonight on Tuesday December 9, 2025Venue: Stadio di BergamoHow to watch: TNT Sports

With personnel still in flux and tactical uncertainty lingering, Chelsea’s predicted lineup reflects adaptation rather than idealisation, a blend of necessity and opportunity as Maresca attempts to summon a timely European response.