Chelsea and Fulham face a selection headache for Wednesday’s derby at Craven Cottage, with key players missing due to serious injuries, suspensions, and international duties.
Chelsea and Fulham enter Wednesday’s West London derby at Craven Cottage with significant squad depletions.
This match marks the conclusion of Calum McFarlane’s interim tenure at Chelsea before newly appointed boss Liam Rosenior takes charge.
While Fulham sits 11th following a four-game unbeaten run, both sides are grappling with a combined total of seven confirmed absences and several late fitness tests for key starters.
Chelsea’s defensive depth is under particular strain, with Levi Colwill ruled out for the season following ACL surgery.
Interim coach McFarlane noted that Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, and Robert Sanchez remain doubts, stating: “We will see how the guys look, and then make a call after that.”
Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo also remain sidelined, while Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable due to an ongoing suspension related to alleged anti-doping rule violations.
Fulham manager Marco Silva confirmed that Rodrigo Muniz will remain out until February, though Ryan Sessegnon is expected to return to contention.
The Cottagers are also missing the trio of Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi due to international commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Regarding injury doubt Joshua King, Silva expressed caution, noting: “Probably, more of a precaution, but he was not in condition for the game.”