Chelsea Set to Face Astana with a Decimated Squad: Key Absences and Youngsters to Step Up

Chelsea Set to Face Astana with a Decimated Squad: Key Absences and Youngsters to Step Up

Chelsea will be missing several key players for their upcoming UEFA Conference League clash against Astana, with injuries and suspensions affecting the squad. Here’s an overview of the situation:

Injuries and Absences:

1. Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia: Both players are unavailable due to injury, and they have not been included in the Conference League squad.
2. Cole Palmer and Ben Chilwell: Also ineligible for selection, as they were not named in the Conference League squad.
3. Marcus Bettinelli: Not included in the squad.
4. Reece James: Continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury, James is also sidelined.
5. Cesare Casadei: Serving a suspension after his red card in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Heidenheim.
6. Mykhailo Mudryk: Illness has made him a doubt for the match, and his fitness will be assessed before kickoff.

Possible Starting XI:

Despite the absences, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to make changes and give opportunities to several youngsters:

• Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen will replace Robert Sanchez.
• Defenders: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Renato Veiga are likely to feature in defense alongside Acheampong.
• Midfielders: Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will provide midfield options, with Rak-Sakyi aiming to build on his earlier appearances in the competition.
• Forwards: 18-year-old winger Tyrique George is expected to start, with Christopher Nkunku in attack. Also in contention are Joao Felix, Jadon Sancho, and Marc Guiu.

Also, read: Chelsea Wonderkid Richard Olise Joins Senior Squad: Fans Discover He’s Michael Olise’s Brother

RelatedPosts

Chelsea’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures Compared to Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man City: Title Race Analysis

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Shamrock Rovers

Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers: Europa Conference League Clash, Undefeated Records, and Key Updates

Stephen Bradley Prioritizes Family Amidst Millwall Job Speculation

Expected Formation:

• Formation: Likely a 4-3-3 setup or similar.
• Attack: The attacking trio of Nkunku, Felix, and Guiu could be a key part of Chelsea’s strategy to overcome Astana.

Despite the absences, Chelsea’s squad depth will allow some exciting young talents to showcase their abilities in the competition, and the team will aim to maintain their perfect record in the group stage.

Astana TikTok page literally trolling Chelsea is the funniest thing I’ve seen in recent times.@ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/7yfwe3yKwL

— Odiki Wisdom (@Odikiwise) December 10, 2024

Chelsea Set to Face Astana with a Decimated Squad: Key Absences and Youngsters to Step Up