Tyrique George makes a surprise start at striker as Chelsea host Benfica in the Champions League tonight.
Enzo Maresca had been sweating on the fitness of Joao Pedro as, along with Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo, he had a “small problem”.
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“We need to maintain the level, for sure, because the Champions League requires a high level,” said Maresca in the pre-match press conference on Monday.
“As you said in this moment we have, unfortunately, many players out with injury.
“This afternoon we are going to assess Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos. They are all players, unfortunately for us, with some small problems.
“So, we will see tomorrow if they are going to be available. For sure, in this moment, we have injuries, but I think we have enough in the squad to replace the injuries that we have.”
The good news for the Blues head coach is that Pedro trained on Monday afternoon, along with Caicedo, which suggested the Brazilian should be fine to lead the line, but he drops to the bench. George, a natural winger, takes his place.
Liam Delap is already out injured, and Marc Guiu, who was recalled from his loan to Sunderland earlier this month, is also benched.
Reece James has been rotated out of the side in place of Malo Gusto ahead of Chelsea facing Liverpool this weekend.
Benoit Badiashile comes into the defence. Romeo Lavia misses out on a first start of the season in midfield, with Caicedo passed fit to start.
In attack, Alejandro Garnacho gets the nod off the left, with Pedro Neto opposite him. Facundo Buonanotte was ineligible to face his parent club Brighton last weekend, but comes in at No10 in the absence of Palmer.
Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Neto, Buonanotte, Garnacho; George
Subs: Jorgensen, Merrick, James, Acheampong, Hato, Lavia, Walsh, Gittens, Estevao, Guiu, Joao Pedro
Injured: Palmer, Colwill, Tosin, Fofana, Delap, Essugo
Doubts: Caicedo, Pedro, Santos
Time and date: 8pm BST today Tuesday, September 30, 2025
How to watch: TNT Sports
Venue: Stamford Bridge
