Chelsea strengthens defense but suffers two key absences against West Ham in Premier League clash

Chelsea will open the 2nd round of the Premier League this Friday (22), at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), against West Ham at the London Olympic Stadium. Coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the return of important defenders but also highlighted two notable absences in attack.

Defense strengthened, but attack weakened

In his pre-match press conference, Maresca revealed that Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are available, while Roméo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile remain sidelined.

However, the Italian manager also confirmed that Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku will miss the game. Jackson, who was decisive in the Club World Cup campaign, lost his spot after the arrival of João Pedro. Nkunku, meanwhile, faces uncertainty about his future following Chelsea’s signings of Bynoe-Gittens and Estêvão.

Loan options on the table

Maresca also addressed the situation of Aaron Anselmino, the young Argentine defender signed from Boca Juniors. With limited first-team chances, the 19-year-old could be loaned out for more playing time.

“He’s training very hard with us. He’s a fantastic kid, a very good player, but he needs minutes,” Maresca explained.

Probable lineups

According to WhoScored, Chelsea are expected to start with:

Robert Sánchez; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella; Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Bynoe-Gittens, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer; João Pedro.

West Ham, who will be without Brazilian midfielder Luís Guilherme, could line up with:
Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Edgar Álvarez, Soucek, Diouf, Lucas Paquetá, Bowen; Füllkrug.

Kickoff details

The match kicks off at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) and serves as the curtain-raiser for the second round of the English Premier League.