Nine Players Could Be Absent When Chelsea Host The Villains at Stamford Bridge

Gilabola.com – Chelsea will host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (28/12) early morning WIB with squad conditions that are far from ideal, with nine players from both teams potentially absent due to injury, suspension and international duty.

In the midst of this situation, positive news came from Cole Palmer, who was deemed ready to play fully, while this match has the potential to determine the final position of the two teams at the top of the Premier League.

The match, which is scheduled for 00.30 WIB, brings together two teams that are competing fiercely in the standings. Chelsea is currently in fourth place, seven points behind Aston Villa who is in third place, so the results of this match have a direct impact on the competitive map this season.

Both Enzo Maresca and Unai Emery had to rack their brains in arranging the line-up. Both coaches hope to field the best team, but the reality in the treatment room means their options are very limited ahead of this important match.

The most relieving news for Chelsea came from Cole Palmer. Maresca previously said that Palmer’s recovery process from groin and leg injuries was going well, so the player is expected to be able to appear fully without restrictions on playing minutes.

However, a number of Palmer’s colleagues will certainly not be able to strengthen Chelsea. The absence of these players forces Maresca to rely on squad depth and tactical flexibility to maintain team balance.

Chelsea and Aston Villa Absence List

Levi Colwill was one of the biggest losses for Chelsea. The young defender is expected to be out until the end of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury during pre-season preparations, a serious blow for the defence Blue.

Another problem came from Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian winger is serving a temporary suspension following an unfavorable finding in a routine urine test, and has not featured for either club or national team since last November.

Romeo Lavia has also not been able to return to the field. The midfielder is still struggling with a muscle injury and is not expected to be ready to play until after the turn of the year, leaving Chelsea’s midfield without an important option.

Dario Essugo is also on the absent list. Maresca previously explained that Essugo’s recovery from a thigh injury had suffered a setback, so he would not be available for the match against Aston Villa.

From the guest camp, Ross Barkley will certainly not be able to appear. Unai Emery said that Barkley’s knee injury could keep him out for up to 12 weeks, and his target return is at the start of next year.

Aston Villa also lost Evann Guessand who is playing for Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations. Guessand’s absence reduces Emery’s options in the attacking sector for this away match.

Pau Torres is still doubtful about appearing. The Spanish defender is only projected to return at the end of the month after missing the last few matches, so his chances of playing at Stamford Bridge are quite small.

Tyrone Mings also cannot play because he is still recovering from a thigh injury. Villa is targeting the senior defender to return in January, not for the match against Chelsea.

Another name that is still a question mark is Harvey Elliott. The player missed the previous match due to illness and will undergo further examination before the match, so his status will only be determined closer to the day.

Our opinion:

With many key players absent, this match has the potential to be determined more by the effectiveness of the substitute players than the quality of the main stars. Chelsea benefit from Cole Palmer’s fitness, but a more stable Aston Villa collectively still has a chance to steal the result, especially if Chelsea fail to manage the absence of key players in several lines.