Chelsea XI vs Leeds: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Carabao Cup today

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Evening Standard

·9 September 2026

Chelsea XI vs Leeds: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Carabao Cup today

Moises Caicedo will again be missing

Xavi Alonso will be tempted to name a strong Chelsea XI for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds.

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One player who will be missing, again, is Moises Caicedo, who sat out the first two games of Chelsea’s season and only lasted 14 minutes on his return against his former club Brighton as he was forced off with pain.

After Caicedo then missed the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, Xabi Alonso revealed the Ecuadorian’s injury is not “longer-term” but that he will not repeat “the same mistake” of bringing him back too soon against Brighton.

And Alonso said on Tuesday that both Caicedo and wing-back Marco Palestra remain absent and unavailable for the visit of Leeds.

Injured: Moises Caicedo

PA

Jordan Henderson has not played for Chelsea yet due to his wrist injury suffered at the World Cup and Alonso has once again ruled him out. Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are out of the game against, just as Palestra and Caicedo.

Alonso said it is not the time to “take a too-early risk” on Caicedo or Palestra and said he feels for the latter being unable to contribute early in the season as a new signing.

“He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the Premier League,” Alonso said. “He had a very good pre-season. Right in the days before Fulham, he picked up an injury. We will need him, for sure. He will add a lot of good potential for the team.”

Alonso may be minded to rest some players given that Saturday’s home Premier League clash with third-in-the-league Hull City is the priority.

That could mean there may be starts against Leeds for the likes of goalkeeper Mike Penders, wing-back Pep Chavarria, midfielder Valentin Barco and centre-back Levi Colwill, who was rested against Arsenal amid a slight fitness issue. Colwill is fine to play, Alonso has said.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds (3-4-2-1): Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Barco, Lavia, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer; Welbeck