Chelsea XI vs Leeds: Palmer benched - Starting lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest | OneFootball

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

Cole Palmer has once again been named to the bench as Chelsea prepare to face Leeds.

Palmer was fit and available to play on Sunday against Arsenal 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 has been handed a rest after his lung-busting display in midfield against Arsenal, meaning Trevoh Chalobah takes his spot at right-back. Malo Gusto is also rested.

At centre-back, Benoit Badiashile gets the nod, while Tosin Adarabioyo also comes in for Wesley Fofana, whose minutes are being managed.

Pedro Neto is the man in form out wide but takes another rest, with Jamie Gittens getting a chance to impress in his place. Liam Delap is preferred to Joao Pedro up front - the Brazilian starts at No10.

Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez; Chalobah, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Enzo; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Gittens; Delap

Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Gusto, James, Hato, Neto, Garnacho, Palmer, Guiu

Injured: Essugo, Lavia, Colwill

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

Venue: Elland Road

TV Channel: Sky Sports