This weekend's Premier League encounter between Chelsea and Aston Villa is set to be heavily influenced by a significant list of absentees, with as many as nine players potentially missing the crucial clash.
Aston Villa's Defensive Headaches
Unai Emery faces considerable selection problems in his defensive line ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge. Key centre-back Pau Torres is currently a major doubt as he manages an ongoing back issue. His potential absence is compounded by the confirmed long-term injury to Tyrone Mings, who remains sidelined with a serious thigh problem.
In midfield, Villa have suffered a substantial blow with the news that Ross Barkley has been ruled out for several months. The former Chelsea midfielder, who has been in impressive form, will not be available for a reunion with his old club and is not expected to return until around February.
International Duty and Illness Concerns
Further depleting Villa's options, forward Evann Guessand is unavailable due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. There is also a question mark over the availability of Harvey Elliott, who missed the previous match through illness, though his involvement has been limited under Emery this season.
Chelsea's Team News: Boosts and Absences
In contrast, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has received a welcome double boost ahead of Saturday's match. Both Liam Delap and Estevao are set to return to the matchday squad after successfully recovering from their respective setbacks. Maresca has also confirmed that star playmaker Cole Palmer is fully fit and available to play the entire 90 minutes.
There is more positive news from the training ground, with Dario Essugo having officially re-joined first-team training sessions. However, the coaching staff are continuing to monitor his fitness levels closely, and his availability for the match itself remains uncertain.
Despite these boosts, Chelsea will still be without several players. Romeo Lavia remains injured and will not feature, while Levi Colwill continues his lengthy rehabilitation from an ACL injury. Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk is still serving a suspension and is unavailable for selection.
The combination of these injuries and absences for both sides is sure to have a major impact on the tactical approach and team selection for what promises to be a pivotal Premier League fixture.
