Chelsea XI vs Gent: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Conference League game today
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Chelsea without Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia for Conference League Opener at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea will be missing key players like Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia when they kick off their Conference League group stage campaign at Stamford Bridge against Gent tonight.
The Blues, fresh from a play-off win over Swiss team Servette, are considered the favorites to win the tournament, but they’ll be without some big names. Cole Palmer, who scored four goals in the play-offs, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia didn’t make the squad for the group stage.
Despite these absences, Chelsea fans will likely see Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku leading the attack. Mudryk, who has only started once in the Premier League this season, has a chance to prove himself in Europe. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca hinted that players like Mudryk and Nkunku could earn more Premier League minutes if they impress in these European fixtures.
“Hopefully, Mudryk can have a good game,” Maresca said. “It’s not just about him, though—Nkunku also isn’t starting regularly in the Premier League right now. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be soon. This is just the situation for now.”
When asked if he regrets not including Chilwell in the squad to add depth at full-back, Maresca stood firm, saying, “No.” He confirmed that most of the squad is fit and available, except for those not registered or injured like Reece James, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and young talent Omari Kellyman.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Jorgensen; Disasi, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku
Unavailable players:
- Ineligible: Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia
- Injured: Reece James, Omari Kellyman
Match details:
- Time and Date: 8 PM BST, Thursday, October 3, 2024
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- TV Channel: TNT Sports
Chelsea will be looking to make a strong start in the group stage despite these notable absentees.
