Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be missing four first-team players for this evening's high-stakes Premier League encounter with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. The match, scheduled for a 5:30pm kick-off, sees third-placed Villa visit fourth-placed Chelsea, with the Blues risking falling ten points behind their rivals.
Chelsea's Squad Update: Boost and Blow
In a significant boost for the home side, Cole Palmer is expected to be fit and available to play the full 90 minutes. Maresca confirmed earlier this week that the star attacker has successfully recovered from groin and foot complaints. Further good news comes with the availability of forwards Liam Delap and Estevao for selection.
However, the Italian coach must contend with several key absences. Defender Levi Colwill is anticipated to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury during pre-season. Winger Mykhailo Mudryk remains provisionally suspended by the FA following an adverse finding in a routine drug test and has not played for club or country since November.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia continues his recovery from a muscular issue and is not due back until the new year. Youngster Dario Essugo will also miss the fixture after suffering a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury.
Aston Villa's Team News
Visiting manager Unai Emery has his own selection headaches. The Spaniard will be without the injured quartet of Ross Barkley, Evann Guessand, Pau Torres, and Tyrone Mings as they continue their rehabilitation.
There is positive news for Villa fans, however. Jadon Sancho is available again after being ineligible to face his parent club, Manchester United, in their previous fixture. Additionally, Harvey Elliott has returned to training and could feature.
A Pivotal Premier League Clash
This evening's match carries considerable weight in the race for European qualification. A victory for Aston Villa would extend their lead over Chelsea to a formidable ten points as the season approaches its midway point. For Chelsea, a win is crucial to close the gap and maintain pressure on the teams above them. All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge for what promises to be a compelling tactical battle between Maresca and Emery.
