Chelsea XI vs Leeds: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

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Evening Standard

·2 December 2025

Chelsea XI vs Leeds: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

Blues set to welcome back Cole Palmer as Reece James gets a rest

Chelsea star Cole Palmer is set to return from injury against Leeds.

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Palmer was fit and available to play on Sunday against Arsenal after returning from injury, but was kept on the bench following Moises Caicedo’s red card, which reduced the Blues to ten men in the first half.

But Palmer “can start” against Leeds on Wednesday for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca confirmed at his press conference on Tuesday morning.

However, Caicedo will miss the first of three league games as he begins serving his suspension for his dismissal against Arsenal.

Dario Essugo has suffered a setback and will not be in the squad as he awaits his first minutes of the season, and that means Andrey Santos is likely to help provide cover in midfield in Caicedo’s absence.

Reece James could be handed a rest after his lung-busting display in midfield against Arsenal, meaning Malo Gusto should keep his spot at right-back.

At centre-back, a start for Benoit Badiashile is likely either in this match or against Bournemouth or Atalanta, while Tosin Adarabioyo could also come in for Wesley Fofana, whose minutes are being managed.

Pedro Neto is the man in form out wide and should keep his spot, while Liam Delap may be preferred to Joao Pedro up front against Leeds, given their low-block style of play perhaps better suits the ex-Ipswich man.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Delap

Injured: Essugo, Lavia, Colwill

Time and date: 8:15pm GMT, Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Venue: Elland Road

TV Channel: Sky Sports