Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Jadon Sancho could make his first appearance for the Blues.

Sep 14, 2024 - 12:00

Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Chelsea star Cole Palmer — Palmer missed England’s Nations League games (Picture: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea are in Premier League action against Bournemouth tonight with Jadon Sancho hoping to make his Blues debut.

Elsewhere in the squad, Enzo Maresca has a dilemma at right-back with Malo Gusto and Reece James both set to miss the trip to the south coast.

Gusto limped off in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace prior to the international break and subsequently withdrew from France Under-21 duty.

James meanwhile has now served the suspension carried over from last season that saw him miss the opening three games but has also been nursing a hamstring problem during that period.

The Chelsea captain ‘needs more time’ before he is considered for selection with Gusto also ruled out for today’s game, Maresca confirmed on Friday.

Reports have suggested Moises Caicedo could be utilised at right-back in their absence, a role he occasionally took up in his Brighton days, having also played there in the final pre-season game against Inter Milan.

Axel Disasi is another option, having regularly filled in on the right last season.

Malo Gusto playing for Chelsea — Gusto limped off against Palace (Picture: MB Media/Getty Images)

Romeo Lavia meanwhile missed the games against Wolves and Crystal Palace and is another who is not available today.

Sancho, who completed his loan move from Manchester United late on transfer deadline day, now has a full week of training under his belt, impressing his new head coach while teammates have been away on international duty.

Noni Madueke’s impressive start to the season is likely to see him continue on the right with Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk among those vying for that role on the left with Christoper Nkunku also in the mix.

Chelsea 4-2-3-1 lineup vs Bournemouth — How Chelsea could line up this weekend.

Cole Palmer withdrew from international duty ahead of England’s games against Republic of Ireland and Ireland in what was thought to be a purely precautionary measure.

The 22-year-old was also left out of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad in order to manage his workload but there is no suggestion he is a doubt for Saturday evening’s clash at Bournemouth.