Chelsea XI vs Benfica: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Champions League

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Evening Standard

·30 September 2025

Chelsea XI vs Benfica: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Champions League

Enzo Maresca is already without several key players for huge Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has received some welcome news in attack for tonight’s Champions League showdown with Benfica.

Maresca had been sweating on the fitness of Joao Pedro as, along with Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo, he had a “small problem”.

“We need to maintain the level, for sure, because the Champions League requires a high level,” said Maresca in the pre-match press conference on Monday.

“As you said in this moment we have, unfortunately, many players out with injury.

“This afternoon we are going to assess Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos. They are all players, unfortunately for us, with some small problems.

“So, we will see tomorrow if they are going to be available. For sure, in this moment, we have injuries, but I think we have enough in the squad to replace the injuries that we have.”

The good news for the Blues head coach is that Pedro trained on Monday afternoon, along with Caicedo, which suggests the Brazilian should be fine to lead the line against Jose Mourinho’s side.

Boost: Joao Pedro

Getty Images

If Maresca decides to not risk Pedro, it will leave Chelsea short on striker options because Liam Delap is already out injured.

Marc Guiu, who was recalled from his loan to Sunderland earlier this month, could get a rare start if Pedro is not fit.

Reece James may be rotated out of the side in place of Malo Gusto ahead of Chelsea facing Liverpool this weekend.

Benoit Badiashile could also come into the defence and Romeo Lavia may earn a first start of the season in midfield, if Caicedo is not fit.

In attack, Alejandro Garnacho is one of those pushing to come into the team and be involved from the off.

Facundo Buonanotte was ineligible to face his parent club Brighton last weekend, but is available on Tuesday and could play as a No10 in the absence of Palmer.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Buonanotte, Garnacho; Pedro

Injured: Palmer, Colwill, Tosin, Fofana, Delap, Essugo

Doubts: Caicedo, Pedro, Santos

Time and date: 8pm BST today Tuesday, September 30, 2025

How to watch: TNT Sports

Venue: Stamford Bridge