Evening Standard
·19 septembre 2025
Chelsea XI vs Manchester United: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League

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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·19 septembre 2025
Enzo Maresca issues Cole Palmer update after fresh scare as Blues face more ‘doubts’ for Old Trafford clash
Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith
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Chelsea have Cole Palmer fit for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Manchester United.
The England star has struggled with a groin injury all season so far and started for the first time since the opening day of the season against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Palmer was seen clutching his leg at the end of the 3-1 defeat in Bavaria, raising fresh concerns about his fitness before the visit to Old Trafford.
However, Enzo Maresca offered a positive update on Palmer’s fitness on Friday, though admitted there were other fitness doubts lingering in his squad that would need to be assessed.
“Cole is okay,” said the Chelsea boss. “We have a session now, we flew back yesterday [Thursday]. We need to assess some players; we have some doubt. We didn't have a session since Wednesday's game, but we will see.”
Maresca also confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho is ready to make his first start for Chelsea on his return to Old Trafford following a £40million move from Manchester United last month.
“In the last two games, he was very good when he came on,” Maresca said. “So, we are happy with the way he has adapted to our style and what we want from the winger. I think he is ready to start.”
Maresca wasn’t able to confirm the progress of Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile, who have both been out injured since the Club World Cup but took part in training this week.
Chelsea remain without longer-term absentees Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo, with Mykhailo Mudryk still unavailable.
Maresca’s side are looking to get back to winning ways this weekend by securing their first victory at Old Trafford in 12 years.
Fabio Carvalho’s stoppage-time strike denied the Blues three points away at Brentford in their last Premier League game before falling to defeat by Bayern upon their return to Europe.
While Chelsea remain unbeaten in the league this term, they are striving for more consistency as they look to challenge for the title after another summer of heavy spending.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Garnacho, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro
Injured: Colwill, Delap, Essugo
Doubts: Lavia, Badiashile
Unavailable: Mudryk
Time and date: 5.30pm BST on Saturday September 20, 2025
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
How to watch: Sky Sports