Chelsea squad update and predicted XI for crucial European tie | OneFootball

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Copenhagen: Key Changes for Europa League Tie

Strong Squad Travelling to Denmark

Chelsea face FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie, and Enzo Maresca has opted to bring a strong squad to Denmark. Cole Palmer is set to feature in the competition for the first time since August, while Robert Sanchez will return to goal after losing his Premier League starting spot earlier in the season.

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Sanchez had been Maresca’s first-choice in the Premier League, but after a series of unconvincing performances, he was dropped in favour of Filip Jorgensen. However, Maresca has confirmed that Sanchez will start in this crucial European encounter.

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“Robert starts tomorrow, yes,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference. “Tomorrow he is going to play and we’ll see. I said a few times already about Robert, it’s a matter to give him different kind of games to try and help him. This is the reason why.”

Palmer’s Return Boosts Chelsea’s Attacking Options

Cole Palmer, who had been left out of Chelsea’s group stage squad to manage his workload, is now back in contention. His inclusion in the squad is a strategic move by Maresca as Chelsea enter the business end of the season.

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“We can change players in the squad, so we decided to add some, for instance we added Cole for the final part of the season,” Maresca explained. “For sure, if he is in the squad, he can play minutes, no doubt.”

Palmer’s return will offer Chelsea additional attacking options as they look to progress in Europe. With the squad still undergoing adjustments, Maresca has opted to bring along 21 players, including several academy graduates.

Absentees and Squad Adjustments

Chelsea’s injury list remains a concern, with long-term absentees such as Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni Madueke, and Romeo Lavia unavailable for the tie. Wesley Fofana has made progress in his recovery but remains ineligible for this match due to being excluded from Chelsea’s squad for the knockout stages.

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In Fofana’s absence, Maresca has included the likes of Benoit Badiashile, who returns to the squad after injury, as well as youth talents Shim Mhueka, Josh Acheampong, and Tyrique George.

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Predicted Chelsea XI vs Copenhagen

Formation: 4-2-3-1Goalkeeper: SanchezDefenders: Gusto, Acheampong, Badiashile, CucurellaMidfielders: Caicedo, Dewsbury-HallForwards: Sancho, Palmer, GeorgeStriker: Nkunku

Injured: Guiu, Jackson, Madueke, Lavia, KellymanUnavailable: Mudryk, Fofana

Match Details