Chelsea travel to the City Ground this weekend to face Nottingham Forest in a crucial Premier League fixture, but manager Enzo Maresca faces significant selection headaches ahead of kick-off.
The Blues enter the contest seeking consistency after a dramatic win over Liverpool before the international break. However, a growing injury list and uncertainty over key players threaten to disrupt Maresca’s preparations.
Fitness Concerns Over Key Midfield Trio
Chelsea’s midfield remains the biggest concern. Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Pedro Neto all missed Thursday’s training session at Cobham, leaving doubts about their availability.
Maresca confirmed in his pre-match press conference:
“None of that trio trained on Thursday. If they miss Friday’s session, they’ll likely be unavailable for the trip to Nottingham.”
There was, however, a glimmer of hope for Chelsea fans when both Fernandez and Neto were spotted arriving for Friday’s training session. Their participation will likely determine the final starting XI.
Injury Updates: Setbacks and Returns
Chelsea’s injury woes continue, with Benoit Badiashile ruled out until December following a muscular injury sustained against Liverpool. Cole Palmer remains sidelined for another six weeks due to a persistent groin issue that has delayed his comeback until December.
Trevoh Chalobah returns from suspension after being sent off in the 3-1 defeat at Brighton, while Maresca has received a much-needed boost with the return of several key players:
- Reece James (captain) – fully fit and ready to start
- Wesley Fofana – cleared to return after a lengthy absence
- Tosin Adarabioyo – fit and available
- Andrey Santos – back in contention after recovering from a knock
- Joao Pedro – declared fit after overcoming a minor issue
Meanwhile, Levi Colwill, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Dario Essugo remain long-term absentees.
Predicted Chelsea Starting XI vs Nottingham Forest
With several uncertainties still surrounding fitness, Maresca could name a balanced yet flexible lineup for the lunchtime kickoff:
Predicted XI:
Sanchez (GK); James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Estevão, Fernandez, Gittens; Joao Pedro
This formation offers defensive solidity with James and Cucurella providing width, while Fernandez and Estevão offer creativity in attack. Joao Pedro’s return provides a much-needed goal threat as Chelsea look to build momentum.
Forest’s Challenge at the City Ground
Despite Nottingham Forest’s recent struggles under Ange Postecoglou, the City Ground remains a difficult venue for visiting teams. Forest will look to capitalize on home advantage to end their poor run of form.
Chelsea, meanwhile, must demonstrate the resilience and attacking sharpness that defined their victory over Liverpool. Maresca’s men are still searching for consistency, and this clash provides an opportunity to solidify their position in the Premier League table.
Kick-Off and Broadcast Details
- Match: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
- Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
- Kick-Off: Saturday, 18 October 2025 – 12:30 PM BST
- Competition: Premier League
Expect a tense, high-energy encounter as both sides aim to regain momentum after the international break.
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