Chelsea will hope to have Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto available again for their Premier League clash against Aston Villa this weekend.
As has become custom, Enzo Maresca made 11 changes to his side for Thursday’s Europa Conference League win over Heidenheim with Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill the only regulars to even make the trip to Germany.
Christoper Nkunku was on the score sheet again and while Maresca insists he will have opportunities to in the Premier League, the recent form of Nicolas Jackson suggests he will keep his place in the side on Sunday.
Neto returned from international duty with an issue that saw him miss the win over Leicester City last time out.
Likewise, Gusto picked up a knock that ruled him out of France Uncer-21 duty, also missing trip the King Power Stadium.
Both players trained normally this week however and are expected to be available on Sunday.
Colwill was left in some discomfort last Saturday meanwhile but the England international was also back in training this week.
Reece James is facing another spell on the sidelines, however. The Blues captain started three straight games against Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United before coming off the bench against Arsenal but missed out last weekend with a hamstring issue.
That problem is expected to sideline him for the rest of the year with Chelsea taking no risks over fitness.
Jadon Sancho is available again, starting on Thursday night and laying on two assists. But Neto’s fitness could see him remain on the bench with the loan signing from Manchester United having not started a league game since the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
How Chelsea could line up this weekend…
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Aston Villa
Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Where to watch Chelsea vs Aston Villa? Kick-off time and TV channel
Chelsea vs Aston Villa kicks off at 1:30pm on Sunday 1 December.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with a live stream available on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
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