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

Chelsea Latest Team News and Predicted XI vs Barcelona

Chelsea approach their Champions League meeting with Barcelona in improved shape, with Enzo Maresca’s squad balancing renewed confidence and the familiar tension that comes with high stakes in Europe. Saturday’s 2-0 win against Burnley offered a reassuring step forward, particularly as no additional injuries were added to a list that has already stretched Maresca’s resources this season.

Injury Picture Before Barcelona

Cole Palmer’s absence remains one of the most frustrating storylines. The England international had been on the brink of returning after two months out with a persistent groin problem, only for misfortune to intervene. He “sustained a fractured little toe on his left foot after stubbing it on a door in an accident at home last week,” delaying his comeback yet again.

Even so, the Burnley victory delivered some relief. Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Benoit Badiashile were all passed fit, enabling Maresca to rotate sensibly. Reece James played only the first half and Joao Pedro was withdrawn in the second period, a reflection of the careful load management that has defined Maresca’s approach.

Photo: IMAGO

Moises Caicedo, rested after international duty with Ecuador, is expected to reclaim his place. It was striking that Burnley marked the first Premier League match he had not featured in under Maresca. His return will likely move Andrey Santos back to the bench.

Longer term absentees remain Dario Essugo, Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia, each still sidelined through more significant injuries.

Selection Battles Likely to Shape the Contest

The most intriguing dilemma lies at centre-back. Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah began the match at Turf Moor, while Wesley Fofana was rested entirely to ensure no unnecessary physical risk. Given the opposition, experience and recovery patterns may decide who partners whom.

Further forward, Maresca faces choices that could affect the rhythm of the contest. Estevao Willian did not feature against Burnley but has been in outstanding form for both club and country and is pushing strongly for inclusion. Alejandro Garnacho is also in contention after a fresh spell without international commitments.

The structure of Chelsea’s attack is fluid. Joao Pedro could lead the line or operate as a No10, where his influence between the lines has often brought control. Maresca may instead lean on Liam Delap as the central striker, using Joao Pedro to orchestrate from deeper areas.

Predicted Lineup for Barcelona

Based on fitness updates and Maresca’s rotation strategy, Chelsea may shape up in a 4-2-3-1 as follows:

Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Garnacho, Delap.

Unavailable through injury: Palmer, Essugo, Colwill, Lavia.

The Champions League tie takes place at 8pm GMT on Tuesday November 25, 2025 at Stamford Bridge, with coverage available on Amazon Prime Video.