Chelsea Starting XI vs Leeds: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Chelsea Starting XI vs Leeds: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup Chelsea Team News vs Leeds United: Moises Caicedo Still Out for Carabao Cup Tie Chelsea go into Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup meeting with Leeds United without Moises Caicedo again. That is the headline, and there is no point dressing it up. He is not ready, Chelsea know it, and Xabi Alonso has made clear he will not force the issue. Caicedo missed the opening two matches of the season, then lasted only 14 minutes against Brighton before going off in pain. He was absent again for the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, and Chelsea are taking the cautious route. Alonso’s message is simple. No gamble, no repeat of what he called “the same mistake”. There is some relief in the fact the injury is not “longer-term”, but that does not help Chelsea against Leeds. Caicedo is out, and so is Marco Palestra. Jordan Henderson remains unavailable with the wrist problem he suffered at the World Cup, while Emmanuel Emegha also misses out. Photo IMAGO Xabi Alonso Takes No Risks Alonso was direct on Palestra’s setback, and there is little mystery here. Chelsea like the player, but they are waiting. “He came with huge energy, huge desire to enjoy his game in the Premier League,” Alonso said. “He had a very good pre-season. Right in the days before Fulham, he picked up an injury. We will need him, for sure. He will add a lot of good potential for the team.” That is fair enough. Early season injuries are irritating, especially for a new signing, but the wider point is that Chelsea have bigger priorities than rushing players back for a cup tie. Chelsea Predicted XI vs Leeds Saturday’s league game at home to Hull City matters more, so rotation is likely. Levi Colwill, left out against Arsenal because of a minor fitness concern, is fit again and available. Mike Penders could start in goal, while Pep Chavarria and Valentin Barco are also in line to come in. Chelsea predicted XI: Penders, Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill, Neto, Barco, Lavia, Chavarria, Rogers, Palmer, Welbeck. Injury Update Before Stamford Bridge Clash Out: Caicedo, Palestra, Henderson, Emegha. Doubts: none. Chelsea against Leeds kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 9 at Stamford Bridge. The team news is straightforward. Caicedo remains sidelined, Alonso will rotate where he can, and Chelsea are expected to treat progression seriously without losing sight of the league schedule ahead.