Chelsea XI vs Aston Villa: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Blues likely without six first-team stars for Villa Park trip

Estevao and Marc Cucurella remain injury doubts for Chelsea, but Cole Palmer has shaken off fitness fears to face Aston Villa in a tricky Premier League test.

Palmer received treatment midway through Sunday’s defeat at Arsenal, and is expected to be “absolutely fine” to start at Villa Park, according to Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea face the side fourth in the Premier League table and two places above them as they hunt for a first league win in four matches.

Estevao and Cucurella both missed the Burnley draw and Arsenal defeat due to hamstring injuries.

Rosenior gave a fitness update on his squad when he spoke at his press conference on Monday afternoon.

“It wasn’t [his groin],” Rosenior said about the issue Palmer had against Arsenal. “He took a knock. He was absolutely fine.

“He’s looking really good after the way we’ve managed him over the last six weeks or so. When I took him and Enzo [Fernandez] off, they were both on a yellow card. He’ll be absolutely fine to start on Wednesday.

“Cucurella is looking really good if not for Wednesday then for Saturday [against Wrexham] for sure. Estevao is back on the pitch running.

“Jamie Gittens is doing well. The quicker we get players fit and healthy, the better.”

Wesley Fofana is back available after serving a suspension against Arsenal but Rosenior will not be able to call on Neto, who is misses the trip through suspension due to his sending-off against the Gunners.

It leaves Alejandro Garnacho with a huge chance to start on the left wing, given that Gittens is out and Estevao remains a doubt.

Gittens suffered a tear in his hamstring in the first half of the 3-2 win over West Ham last month.

Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee and remains out with a knee injury, while Dario Essugo has been doing a modified training programme.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro

Doubts: Cucurella, Estevao, Essugo

Injured: Gittens, Colwill

Suspended: Neto

Time and date: 7.30pm GMT on Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Venue: Villa Park

How to watch: TNT Sports 3