Chelsea XI vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Fit-again Estevao set to return for crunch Premier League game at Stamford Bridge

Estevao is set to return from injury when Chelsea play Aston Villa.

Liam Delap is also fit again after three weeks out with a shoulder problem.

“Estevao is back and he is available,” said Enzo Maresca in his pre-match press conference. “Estevao and also Liam Delap, they are both back.

Estevao is fit again in a major boost for Enzo Maresca

AFP via Getty Images

“We didn’t know exactly how long Liam would be out for but he is back and we are happy to have both available.”

Maresca has also confirmed that Cole Palmer is ready to play 90 minutes after being carefully managed through his four appearances since returning from the groin injury that kept him out for more than two months.

“He played for an hour against Everton, then he did more than 70 minutes against Newcastle,” said Maresca. “So I think the progression is there, he’s feeling good and I think he could play for 90 minutes now.”

Enzo Fernandez was a substitute at Newcastle on December 20 and Maresca must decide whether to reintroduce him to his starting line-up or keep faith with captain Reece James as Moises Caicedo’s midfield partner.

Maresca will name a strong team against the side sat immediately above Chelsea in third place in the Premier League table.

Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill all remain absent with longer-term injuries.

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

Injured: Essugo, Lavia, Colwill

Time and date: 5:30pm GMT on Saturday, December 27, 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge