Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: Early Team News and Injury Updates
As Crystal Palace prepare to host Chelsea at Selhurst Park this weekend, both teams face significant squad challenges due to injuries and suspensions. The Premier League clash comes at a crucial time, with Chelsea aiming to strengthen their top-four push and Palace looking to reverse a recent slump in form.
Team Form and Context
Chelsea enter this match with momentum, having secured a narrow Champions League victory over Pafos during the week. Under manager Liam Rosenior, the Blues have made a solid start to the season and currently sit just two points outside the top four positions. In contrast, Crystal Palace have struggled, dropping to 13th in the league after a defeat to Sunderland last weekend. The Eagles are also adjusting to life without their captain, Marc Guehi, adding to their challenges.
Crystal Palace Injury Situation
Oliver Glasner's side has several key players sidelined, impacting their defensive and midfield options.
- Daichi Kamada - Out: Suffered a serious hamstring injury in December and is expected to be unavailable until February. Glasner described it as an unusual muscle injury resulting from a landing incident.
- Cheick Doucoure - Out: Experienced a setback in December and is not anticipated to return until early February.
- Rio Cardines - Out: Sustained a muscle injury with a setback a few weeks ago, likely keeping him out for four to six weeks.
On a positive note, Crystal Palace have two players returning to fitness:
- Nathaniel Clyne - Fit: Expected to recover from a groin issue in time for the match.
- Daniel Munoz - Fit: Glasner confirmed that Munoz has resumed training and should be available for the Chelsea game.
Chelsea Injury Concerns
Chelsea's squad is also dealing with multiple absences, affecting their attacking and defensive lines.
- Eddie Nketiah - Out: Remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury, with no indication of an imminent return.
- Caleb Kporha - Out: Has been sidelined with a back injury for an extended period, and there have been no recent updates on his status.
- Tosin Adarabioyo - Out: Rosenior confirmed that Adarabioyo has a hamstring issue that will rule him out for the coming weeks.
- Romeo Lavia - Out: Not yet ready to return, though he has resumed training. Rosenior emphasised the importance of a careful rehabilitation process to ensure his long-term fitness.
- Levi Colwill - Out: Suffered a season-ending ACL injury in August, requiring surgery and an extended recovery period.
Additionally, Chelsea will be without Mykhailo Mudryk due to suspension. The player faces Anti-Doping Rule Violations, as confirmed by a club statement in the summer, though this absence is not counted in the overall injury tally.
Match Implications
With eight players ruled out and two returning, both managers will need to adapt their tactics and line-ups. Chelsea's depth will be tested as they aim to maintain their European ambitions, while Crystal Palace must overcome injury woes to secure a positive result at home. This match could prove pivotal in shaping the mid-table dynamics of the Premier League as the season progresses.
