Chelsea prepare to host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this Saturday in what promises to be a high-intensity Premier League clash. But the Blues head into the game heavily understrength, with a mounting injury and suspension list that could force Enzo Maresca into one of his most difficult selections of the season.
Chelsea are missing nine key players for the visit of the Reds. Among the absentees:
Levi Colwill (ACL) is out for the long term.
Cole Palmer (recurring groin issue) will miss the match.
Liam Delap (thigh/hamstring) is sidelined.
Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) and Wesley Fofana (concussion protocol) are unavailable.
Andrey Santos (muscle issue) and Dario Essugo (thigh injury) also miss out.
Trevoh Chalobah is suspended following a red card.
Several others Moises Caicedo and João Pedro among them are carrying knocks and may or may not start depending on their fitness closer to kickoff.
Maresca has had to manage this injury crisis while maintaining performance. He’s attributed much of the player absences to fatigue, particularly after Chelsea’s run in the summer’s Club World Cup and the tight fixture schedule.
Despite the shortages, Maresca remains defiant. He has shown confidence in younger players stepping up for example, Josh Acheampong may start in defence due to the absence of senior centre-backs.
Liverpool are no strangers to pressure, but recent results suggest they’re less invulnerable than earlier this season. After a blistering start, with five straight wins in the Premier League, the Reds have suffered losses (e.g. to Crystal Palace) and dropped points in other matches.
They, too, have injury concerns:
Goalkeeper Alisson is ruled out, which could force a debut for Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Doubts also surround Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitiké, who are nursing knocks.
Liverpool will want to avoid defensive lapses, which have crept into recent performances, particularly from set-pieces and transition phases. Maresca has noted that despite their vulnerabilities, Liverpool remain “dangerous” and tactically sharp.
With so many first-team options unavailable, Maresca may have to adjust both shape and personnel:
A likely backline could feature Benoît Badiashile partnering with a young defender like Josh Acheampong, given the absence of regular centre-backs.
In attack, with Palmer out and Delap sidelined, creative burden might fall on João Pedro, Estevão, or other fringe players to supply chances.
Midfielders may also be asked to contribute defensively more than usual, particularly if Liverpool push aggressively.
Chelsea’s discipline is under scrutiny too; red cards and yellow card tallies have been problematic this season, and playing with ten men is no longer just a risk—it could be decisive.
Match Outlook & What to Expect
Possibility of a tight game. With Chelsea weakened, Liverpool may control more possession, but Chelsea playing at Stamford Bridge will look to make set-pieces, counterattacks, and crowd energy count.
Youth may be key. The performance of younger and less experienced players could decide how resilient Chelsea is across 90 minutes.
Injuries could tip the scale. If Liverpool are sharper and more consistent, Chelsea’s patchwork line-ups may struggle to cope with sustained pressure.
Why This Match Matters
League momentum. Liverpool leading the table will want to prevent Chelsea from climbing further. A win could cement their position; a loss might shake confidence.
Psychological test. For Chelsea, overcoming adversity and showing squad depth will be as important as the points. For Liverpool, this is a chance to show consistency after recent hiccups.
Fixture congestion and rotation. With many upcoming matches, both managers will need to manage fitness carefully especially Maresca, given Chelsea’s current crisis.
Chelsea vs Liverpool usually promises goals, intensity, and passion. On paper, Liverpool start favourites. But Chelsea, even shorn of key players, could cause trouble especially if they defend resolutely, avoid mistakes, and catch Liverpool on the break.
If Chelsea can stay disciplined and Liverpool don’t convert their pressure, Stamford Bridge could still offer surprises. But with Premier League success often decided by small margins, injuries may make the difference.
