Chelsea XI vs Crystal Palace: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

Chelsea are again without Romeo Lavia as they travel to face Crystal Palace today.

Midfielder Lavia has now missed the last four Premier League matches with a hamstring problem, a run that has coincided with Chelsea’s marked dip in form during the festive period.

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“Romeo is very close, he started to work with us,” manager Enzo Maresca said during Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“We all consider Romeo a top player, but the most important thing for this kind of player is to be fit. So, no doubt when Romeo is fit that he's a top player, we just need to try to understand how we can help him not get injured.”

Maresca confirmed that defender Wesley Fofana is set to be out for a “very long time” with a serious hamstring problem that could even end his season. Fellow centre-back Benoit Badiashile will also be sidelined until at least next month.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains out injured, but captain Reece James is available again and on the bench, having been an unused substitute during the 2-0 defeat by Ipswich earlier this week.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Enzo, Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson

Subs: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, James, Madueke, Felix, Nkunku, Guiu

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday January 4, 2025

Venue: Selhurst Park, London