Chelsea Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Chelsea predicted line up and injury news ahead of Crystal Palace trip

Chelsea head to Selhurst Park on Sunday with selection questions that feel familiar but significant, as availability rather than tactics continues to shape the matchday picture. With injury news evolving through the week and internal decisions still to be finalised, the likely XI offers a revealing snapshot of where this squad currently stands.

Photo IMAGO

Chelsea injury news latest from training ground

The most closely monitored situation concerns Cole Palmer. The England international returned to training on Friday, a development that has encouraged staff but not yet resolved his status. Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed Palmer trained without immediate issue, though his reaction over the next 48 hours will determine whether he is deemed fit to start or named among the substitutes.

There have been more positive signs elsewhere. Jamie Gittens and Estevao were unavailable against Brentford due to illness but have since rejoined the matchday squad, featuring on the bench in midweek against Pafos. Both are expected to be available for selection at Selhurst Park.

Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen remains sidelined after being withdrawn at half-time in midweek. While scans have ruled out the worst-case scenario, Chelsea are not prepared to take risks. He is expected to miss the Palace fixture, though there is growing confidence internally that he could return in time for the final Champions League group-stage match against Napoli next week.

Chelsea’s longer-term absentees remain unchanged. Tosin Adarabioyo has not recovered from the injury sustained against Brentford, while Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill continue their rehabilitation. Dario Essugo is a fresh concern after slipping in training, an incident Rosenior described as unfortunate, with an estimated absence of around a month.

Predicted Chelsea line up vs Crystal Palace

Barring late setbacks, Chelsea are expected to line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape. Robert Sanchez is set to retain his place in goal in Jorgensen’s absence, with a back four that balances experience and recovery management.

Reece James could return at right-back, though Malo Gusto remains a viable alternative if minutes are being managed carefully. Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are likely to partner centrally, with Marc Cucurella continuing on the left.

Midfield selection is more settled. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are expected to anchor the side, offering control and protection ahead of the defence. Ahead of them, much depends on Palmer’s availability. If cleared to start, he would operate centrally behind the striker, flanked by Estevao and Pedro Neto.

Up front, the decision appears finely balanced between Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, though Pedro currently holds a slight edge given recent involvement and tactical familiarity.

Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro.

Selection dilemmas facing Chelsea coaching staff

Rosenior’s immediate challenge is balancing fitness risk with competitive necessity. The match at Selhurst Park comes at a point in the schedule where rotation is tempting, but league position demands consistency. Palmer’s status epitomises that tension, as Chelsea weigh his influence against the possibility of aggravation.

Right-back is another position under scrutiny. James offers leadership and authority, but his minutes continue to be managed carefully, making Gusto’s role potentially important as the game develops.

There is also an awareness that several players returning from illness or light training loads may be more effective as impact options rather than starters, particularly in what is expected to be a physically demanding contest.

Match details and context

Chelsea face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park with a 2pm GMT kick-off on Sunday January 25, 2026. The fixture arrives at a time when squad availability, rather than wholesale tactical change, is dictating selection choices.

Injuries remain a defining feature of Chelsea’s campaign, but the gradual reintegration of key attackers offers cautious optimism. How effectively Chelsea manage those returning players could prove decisive, not just this weekend, but in the crucial fixtures that follow.