Tony Mogan
Published December 3, 2025 8:00am
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Palmer is available to start (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea will begin a run of three games without Moises Caicedo against Leeds United tonight.
The Ecuador international was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Mikel Merino during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Despite the player’s pleas of innocence, Enzo Maresca was among the vast majority that agreed it a was a clear sending off, leaving the Chelsea boss with a big decision to make in midfield.
Caicedo has been the heartbeat of the Chelsea team this season and is absence could pose problems. Andrey Santos could be a ready-made replacement, however.
The Brazil international has only started three league matches this season but stepped into replace Caicedo effortlessly against Burnley.
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The former Brighton star was benched that afternoon after a long trip back from international duty with Santos Chelsea’s man of the match at Turf Moor that day.
Reece James was exceptional in midfield against Arsenal with Maresca now regarding him as a genuine midfield option if he can be spared at right-back.
Santos excelled recently against Burnley (Picture: Getty)
But the Chelsea boss is understandably wary of starting his captain twice in the space of four days given his injury history. Given the sheer number of games on the horizon, exercising caution with James may be Chelsea’s best bet.
Cole Palmer was back in the squad on Sunday after recovering from the toe injury that delayed his comeback after the international break.
A starting role could beckon tonight with Maresca eager for him to start building up his match fitness again.
Chelsea remain without midfielders Romeo Lavia and Dardio Essugo in addition to long-term absentee Levi Colwill.
Chelsea XI to face Leeds – Metro prediction
Santos will surely get the nod in midfield where Enzo Fernandez could also drop back into a more familiar role to make room for Palmer if Maresca decides he is fit to start.
Estevao Willian was hooked at half-time against Arsenal with Pedro Neto played the full 90. Alejandro Garnacho will be hopeful of getting the nod in one of those wide roles.
Leeds vs Chelsea TV channel and live stream
Leeds vs Chelsea kicks off at 8:15pm on Wednesday 3 December.
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You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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