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

Chelsea vs Lincoln City: Carabao Cup Predicted Lineup and Injury Updates

Chelsea continue their Carabao Cup campaign with a trip to Lincoln City, where manager Enzo Maresca faces several important selection calls. With injuries piling up and suspensions forcing changes, this third-round tie provides an opportunity for some of the club’s younger players to stake a claim.

Injury concerns shape Chelsea midfield

Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro have been carrying minor knocks, making their involvement from the start against Lincoln City doubtful. Maresca admitted after training on Monday that his midfield options are stretched due to Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia being unavailable. Essugo underwent thigh surgery and is expected back in 2026, while Lavia’s recovery is progressing, with the manager confirming he is “very close” to a return after training on Sunday.

Photo: IMAGO

Another key absence is Levi Colwill, who suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury and will miss most of the season. Striker Liam Delap is sidelined until December with a hamstring issue, while Marc Guiu is cup-tied after appearing for Sunderland earlier in the competition.

Suspension in goal opens the door for Jorgensen

Robert Sanchez’s suspension following his red card at Old Trafford means Filip Jorgensen is expected to start in goal again. This provides Chelsea’s summer signing with another chance to gain valuable minutes in a high-pressure knockout fixture.

Elsewhere, Benoit Badiashile continues to edge closer to a return, but he remains unavailable for the Lincoln clash despite joining training at Cobham over the weekend. Mykhailo Mudryk is also not in contention.

Opportunity for academy talent

With senior players absent, several academy graduates could be handed opportunities. Genesis Antwi, the promising right-back who recently signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge, has been in strong form and may be rewarded with a start. Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato are also being considered as part of Maresca’s defensive reshuffle.

Further forward, the likes of Alejo Veliz Gittens and Facundo Buonanotte could provide attacking support behind striker Shola George. Chelsea’s depth is being tested, but these occasions have historically allowed the club’s younger stars to showcase their quality.

Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Lincoln City

Maresca is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation at the LNER Stadium:

Predicted XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Acheampong, Hato; Santos, Fernandez; Garnacho, Buonanotte, Gittens; George

Doubtful: Cole PalmerInjured: Colwill, Delap, Essugo, Badiashile, LaviaSuspended: SanchezIneligible: GuiuUnavailable: Mudryk

Match details

Competition: Carabao Cup, third roundKick-off: 7:45pm BST, Tuesday 23 September 2025Venue: LNER Stadium, LincolnTV coverage: Live on Sky Sports

Chelsea’s encounter with Lincoln City is more than a routine cup fixture. It is a chance for Maresca to test the depth of his squad, for academy players to step up, and for the Blues to progress in a competition that has often delivered early-season momentum.