Premier League 2025-26: Maresca considers midfield options for trip to Leeds; Palmer was fit to start

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s biggest challenge is finding a replacement for suspended midfielder Moises Caicedo, who visits lowly Leeds United in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Caicedo, who played 50 of 51 games under Maresca, was sent off during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to leaders Arsenal, which is six points ahead of third-place Chelsea.

Chelsea are also without defender Levi Colwill and defensive midfielders Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo due to injuries, while midfielder Cole Palmer, who returned from injury on Sunday to take the bench at Stamford Bridge, is yet to play.

“We are a better team with Cole, a better team with Moises, a better team with Levi, but if they are not available we try to find solutions,” Maresca told reporters on Tuesday.

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“We have to do something different because of Moises… someone who can play well in that position is Josh (Acheampong), but we’ll see,” he added of the versatile 19-year-old.

Maresca said Palmer, who last played in September, is available to start but cannot play a full match yet.

«He can start the match. The idea for him is to give minutes until he can play 90 minutes,» the coach added.

Published on December 2, 2025