As Chelsea prepares to face West Ham in today’s Premier League match, manager Enzo Maresca has made some notable decisions regarding the starting lineup due to a shortage of right-backs.

Wesley Fofana will start at right-back for the Blues, a strategic choice after Maresca confirmed that Malo Gusto is still sidelined with a thigh injury, which caused him to miss last week’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. Club captain Reece James is also unavailable due to a hamstring issue, and Maresca indicated that there is currently no timeline for his return.

“It’s a bit delayed, but the most important thing is for any player to come back when they are 100% fit,” Maresca stated. “Unfortunately, we do not have an idea at the moment. In terms of past injuries, we always hope to find the right solution.”

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In the previous match against Bournemouth, centre-back Axel Disasi struggled at right-back, prompting the decision to utilize Fofana in this role instead.

On a positive note, Chelsea now has more depth in the midfield with Enzo Fernandez and summer signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returning from illness. Jadon Sancho will also make his full debut after an impressive performance as a substitute last week.

Chelsea Starting XI:

  • Goalkeeper: Sanchez
  • Defenders: Fofana, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella
  • Midfielders: Caicedo, Enzo
  • Forwards: Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson

Substitutes: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Diasii, Viega, Dewsbury-Hall, Neto, Mudryk, Felix, Nkunku

Match Details:

  • Date and Time: 12:30 PM BST, Saturday, September 21, 2024
  • Venue: London Stadium
  • Broadcast: Live on TNT Sports