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

Enzo Maresca without several key players for clash at Stamford Bridge

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Chelsea must find a way to cope without Cole Palmer while their star man continues to manage a persistent groin injury.

In his absence, Enzo Maresca could select Joao Pedro as a striker, use Enzo Fernandez as a No10 and Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo in defensive midfield, or the Blues could use Joao Pedro as a No10 and keep Tyrique George as an auxiliary striker.

“Yes, we decided to protect a little bit Cole, in terms of not letting his injury get worse,” said Maresca.

“We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100 per cent and to be fit after the international break.

"I don't think he needs surgery but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him.”

Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo have also been ruled out until after the international break.

Tosin has a “small calf issue” and Fofana is observing a 12-day concussion protocol after suffering symptoms of concussion in a Carabao Cup win over Lincoln, when he was clattered by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in the second minute but went on to complete the full match.

Josh Acheampong is back in contention and could partner Trevoh Chalobah at centre-back after returning to training on Thursday from an illness that saw him miss Lincoln.

Facundo Buonanotte scored his first Chelsea goal against Lincoln on Tuesday night but is ineligible for Saturday because opponents Brighton are his parent club.

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are expected to return either for Brighton or for next Tuesday’s Benfica game.

Striker Liam Delap is out until December with a hamstring injury, and Dario Essugo has a thigh injury which required surgery. His return to action could come in 2026.

Levi Colwill is out for the majority of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Neto; George

Doubts: Badiashile, Lavia

Injured: Palmer, Colwill, Tosin, Fofana, Delap, Essugo

Ineligible: Buonanotte

Time and date: 3pm BST on Saturday, September 27, 2025