Chelsea predicted lineup as fitness questions frame Leeds test
Chelsea approach Tuesday night with momentum and mild uncertainty in equal measure. The visit of Leeds United arrives at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea balancing form, fitness and rotation, a familiar calculation as domestic priorities stack up.
The headline concern centres on Reece James. The defender has shaken off the knock that kept him out against Arsenal and Wolves, but illness has clouded his availability. Speaking on Monday, Liam Rosenior acknowledged the issue after a virus previously swept through the squad early in his tenure.
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With an FA Cup trip to Hull following on Friday, there is an expectation that Rosenior will again name a strong side here, before managing minutes later in the week. The Premier League, for now, remains the priority.
Fitness updates shape selection calls
There was encouragement from Molineux at the weekend. Andrey Santos is fit after being withdrawn late against Wolves, while Cole Palmer looks ready to build on his hat trick in that 3-2 win. Palmer completed 60 minutes as part of his return to full fitness and Rosenior was clear when asked about his readiness.
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“He’s available for tomorrow.”
That clarity suggests Palmer could be asked to shoulder greater responsibility again, even if full 90 minute sharpness is still being calibrated. Mamadou Sarr is also back in the fold after returning from his recall and featuring on the bench at Wolves.
Photo: IMAGO
Injury list still limits options
There remain notable absentees. Jamie Gittens is still unavailable after suffering a hamstring tear in the first half of the 3-2 victory over West Ham. Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill also miss out, although Lavia has trained over the past two days.
Tosin Adarabioyo is progressing well and back in training, but this fixture may arrive slightly too soon.
Chelsea predicted XI and match details
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
Injured: Gittens, Essugo, Lavia, ColwillDoubts: James, Tosin
Time and date: 7:30pm GMT on Tuesday February 10, 2026Venue: Stamford Bridge