Leicester City now position themselves to sign talented defender on a free

Leicester City are preparing for life back in the Championship and could now land a bargain signing as they begin to build for next season and beyond, according to a report.

Leicester City begin to build for life after relegation

Relegation is hardly a death sentence, but this season is something Foxes supporters will be keen to forget about as they return to England’s second-tier under Ruud van Nistelrooy or indeed a new boss. The former Netherlands international is under scrutiny at the King Power Stadium and may be at risk of the axe despite securing a rare Premier League victory over Southampton last weekend.

LeicesterCitymanager Ruud van Nistelrooy and James Justin

With Leicester’s managerial position potentially up for grabs, Bristol City boss Liam Manning could replace Van Nistelrooy in the dugout after leading the Robins to the Championship playoffs this campaign.

Russell Martin and Danny Rohl are other reported Foxes candidates, which could cause a temporary hold-up when it comes to transfer dealings as their hierarchy decide whether to stick or twist. Earning promotion at the first attempt is never easy. Still, the theory of clubs in receipt of parachute payments standing a better chance has proven to be true over recent years.

Leicester City eye move for new 40 y/o manager who has same agent as Vardy

He’s been in the Championship before.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 9, 2025

If anything, there is still encouragement for Leicester in the face of some dark recent times. Jamie Vardy’s departure signals the end of an era, but a new one can begin provided the club make some savvy additions in the next few months.

Pre-season will breed optimism that they can return to the top-flight, and supporters could now have another reason to be excited following recent developments.

Leicester City ready to strike for Manchester United's Jack Kingdon

According to EFL Analysis, Leicester are one of four clubs circling for Manchester United youngster Jack Kingdon, who is set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of the month.

The former Scotland Under-19 international is also on the radar of Wrexham, Millwall and Derby County following an impressive spell on loan at Rochdale.

Jack Kingdon’s combined statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

25

Goals

0

Assists

1

Only Southampton have conceded more goals than the Foxes in the Premier League this season, which may have prompted Van Nistelrooy and company to seek reinforcements to counter inevitable outgoings this summer. Realistically, Kingdon is unlikely to be a first-team starter straight away at 19 years of age, though his availability on a free transfer and potential to develop could be worth taking a chance on.

Lausanne Sport tried to sign the central defender in January and have been mooted as another potential destination amid Manchester United’s decision not to offer the Bolton-born man fresh terms.

Kingdon is likely to have the pick of several exciting destinations this summer, and Leicester will hope to convince the prodigious talent that there is a place for him to learn and develop at the King Power.

Tottenham may sign £300k-p/w Premier League star if they win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur could sign a big-name Premier League star if they manage to win the Europa League, according to reports, with a lot already on the line as Spurs aim to make history by lifting their first major trophy in 17 years.

Tottenham face Bodo/Glimt in crunch Europa League semi-final

Norwegian minnows and this year’s unlikely Europa semi-finalists, Bodo/Glimt, stand between Ange Postecoglou and Spurs’ first European final since 2019.

Manager open to immediate Tottenham talks after missing out on Man United

He appears pretty keen on Spurs.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

However, they would be foolish to take them lightly, considering Bodo/Glimt are in this position for a reason, not to mention fresh off knocking Serie A giants Lazio out in the quarter-finals.

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

On paper, the north Londoners blow them away in terms of quality, but crazier upsets have occurred in Europe. Postecoglou will be fully aware that his side have a tough task on their hands, with the Australian praising Bodo/Glimt heading into their two-legged tie.

“Yeah, they have been pretty consistent the last few years, obviously the same manager and core group of players, but definitely a distinct style of football that they have stuck to, and they’ve had success with,” said Postecoglou about Bodo/Glimt.

“They’ve been pretty consistent in the Norwegian league but also in Europe and every game they’ve played, irrespective of the opposition, they’ve played some really good quality opposition in Europe and always been really competitive. I think that is very borne from the fact they are very stable, have a clear understanding of how they play their football. It will be a good challenge for us.”

Tottenham are in dire need of a successful European campaign after their dire 2024/2025 domestically, having lost an unacceptable 19 Premier League games, with real uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s long-term future as a result.

Postecoglou could even leave Spurs regardless of their success in the Europa League (The Telegraph), but even if the former Celtic boss is destined to leave N17, winning the competition could significantly boost their hopes of attracting key transfer targets in the summer.

Victory in the Europa League would mean qualification for next season’s Champions League, with £300,000-per-week Man United outcast and current Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford on Spurs’ shortlist.

Tottenham could sign Marcus Rashford if they win the Europa League

Tottenham are believed to be in the race to sign Rashford this summer, once his Villa loan expires, and the England forward appears to have many options after an impressive temporary stint in the Midlands.

As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Lilywhites are outside contenders for the 27-year-old as things stand, and Tottenham only stand a chance of signing Rashford if they win the Europa League.

This comes as a pretty intriguing update, and one which adds yet more weight to their semi-final tie. Rashford would be a great addition for Postecoglou or any prospective new manager, but there will be some negotiating to do around his mammoth salary.

Tottenham’s current highest earner, Son Heung-min, is only on around £190,000-per-week by comparison, and it is highly unlikely chairman Daniel Levy would be willing to cripple the club’s wage bill to sign Rashford.

Man Utd and INEOS now open to selling £85,000-a-week ace for more than £55m

Manchester United could now be willing to sell a “very good” player for more than £55m this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

United basking in glory of Lyon victory

The Red Devils produced a stunning turnaround against Lyon on Thursday night, winning 5-4 at Old Trafford to book a place in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will meet Athletic Bilbao.

United were 4-2 down deep into extra-time and on the verge of their season coming to an embarrassing end, only to score three times in the remaining minutes, culminating in Harry Maguire scoring a dramatic winner with a penalty shootout looming.

Bruno Fernandes

This is still a Red Devils side that has been painfully lacking in quality this season, however, highlighting the need for a host of new signings to arrive during the summer transfer window. Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, potentially being seen as a replacement for Casemiro in front of the defence.

There is also a shock rumour regarding Scott McTominay returning to United in the summer, following an impressive season at Napoli. It would be a surprise, but Ruben Amorim may feel that he can get the best out of the Scot.

Man Utd want over £55m to sell Rasmus Hojlund this summer

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Manchester United are willing to sell Rasmus Hojlund at the end of the season, demanding over £55m for his signature, with INEOS willing to take a loss on the £72m spent on him.

Serie A trio Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli are all thought to be “considering moving” for the £85,000-a-week striker, who has struggled to reach the required standards throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Rasmus Hojlund

At just 22, there would be a risk in United letting Hojlund leave, considering how much time he still has to improve as a player in his career. That said, he looks increasingly lost at Old Trafford, even though Amorim lauded him after his recent goal against Leicester City.

“It’s really important for Rasmus. He’s doing the right things, helping the team, fighting for every ball. He scored a very good goal and I think he deserved it more than anybody. It was a difficult goal with difficult control with his right foot. It’s a shame we stop for the national teams because we have confidence.”

United have to be ruthless this summer, bringing in a proven striker who can take the team up a level, and if that means cashing in on Hojlund, so be it.

Appearances

27

Starts

18

Minutes played

1592

Goals

3

Assists

0

Shots per game

0.9

Key passes per game

0.5

Dribbles per game

0.3

He has been given enough opportunities to prove his worth to Amorim, but unless he enjoys a strong end to the season, it looks increasingly like a transfer that ultimately hasn’t quite worked out.

Postecoglou to recall Tottenham player and drop two big-name stars

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing an absolutely huge week in N17 amid mounting pressure on the Australian, with an all-important Europa League quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon.

Ange Postecoglou facing key Tottenham decisions

However, before their most vital game of the season to date, Spurs must get past bottom side Southampton in the Premier League – and nothing but a win will do for Postecoglou as serious doubts surround his future.

Tottenham ready to move for "elite" Postecoglou replacement after Chelsea loss

The Australian is treading on very thin ice right now.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025

The 59-year-old must get supporters back onside and inspire unity once again – a mountainous task for Postecoglou considering his row with the Tottenham away end over Pape Matar Sarr’s introduction during their 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Thursday.

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Following a dismal campaign, with Spurs languishing fairly near the relegation zone after 16 league defeats, reports claim chairman Daniel Levy is in the market for a new manager, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is Tottenham’s top target.

“It’s been a ridiculously challenging season on all fronts and every fan has the right to show their frustration and again,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s disappointing 2024/2025.

“I think at times it has overstepped and when it oversteps, I will not stand for it because I am a little bit old school with that, but they have every right.

“I think I said before the game it is up to us to try and find a way to get them back on board with what we’re doing. I still can’t get away from the fact we have a real massive opportunity for ourselves between now and the end of the season.

“I think it would be different if that didn’t exist. It would be a tougher road to navigate, but I am hoping that irrespective of how the fans feel about me, what I’m doing and the project we’ve embarked on, I hope when the games come around, they just get behind the players and the team because they can make an enormous difference.”

Ahead of their clash with the Saints, a report by journalist Dan Kilpatrick has shared how Postecoglou is planning to shape up.

Tottenham to recall Porro whilst dropping Maddison and Son

According to the Standard Sport reporter, Postecoglou will likely completely overhaul his starting eleven and drop key men, with their European bout against Eintracht firmly in the tactician’s thinking.

It is believed the Spurs boss will recall right-back Pedro Porro to the starting lineup versus Southampton, having recently lost his place to the rejuvenated Djed Spence, while big-name duo James Maddison and Son Heung-min will be dropped and rested for Frankfurt.

Criticism has centered on Son this season, with the South Korean megastar failing to replicate his best form this term and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara questioning his leadership qualities.

“Son Heung-min did not show the demeanour of a captain,” said O’Hara on Son after the defeat to Chelsea.

“Son Heung-min is a player who sets an example, and he did so in the past, but that is no longer enough. Son Heung-min cannot dominate opponents and his sharpness has diminished, failing to make a difference.”

Maddison, meanwhile, has been in and out of the line-up recently despite bagging 11 goals and seven assists this term.

Wilder set to make ruthless January decision as three Sheffield Utd players get the axe

With the Blades struggling near the bottom of the Championship, Chris Wilder is reportedly ready to axe as many as three Sheffield United players in the January transfer window.

Since losing at the final hurdle in the playoffs last season, Sheffield United have endured nothing short of a nightmare. They showed the door to Wilder in an attempt to commence a new era under Ruben Selles, only to rehire Wilder just months later. But the return of the veteran manager is yet to pay dividends.

The Blades sit as low as 23rd in the Championship. Only rivals Sheffield Wednesday, who entered administration and were handed a 12-point deduction, have earned less points than Wilder’s side. They are on a crash course from promotion favourites to shock relegation candidates.

Without a win in their last three games, the Blades play host to Queens Park Rangers in desperate need of all three points but may have to push on without No.1 goalkeeper Michael Cooper. The shot-stopper was forced off with injury against Coventry City last time out and Wilder has now confirmed that he’ll likely miss the QPR game this weekend.

It’s more frustrating news for the Sheffield United boss, who has already lost his patience with three players ahead of the January transfer window.

Wilder ready to axe three Sheffield United players

As reported by Football League World, Wilder is now ready to axe Louie Barry, Tyler Bindon and Ben Godfrey by sending them back to their parent clubs when January arrives. This means that all three could be going back to Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Atalanta respectively in what should come as no surprise given their game time.

Louie Barry

9

Tyler Bindon

5

Ben Godfrey

4

Barry has been the most disappointing of the three. Having starred on loan at Stockport County in League One last season – scoring 15 goals – there was plenty of hope that the Villa man would be ready for the Championship. That’s simply not been the case under Wilder, however.

That said, if those loan deals are cut short, Sheffield United should at least have room to welcome other, much-needed reinforcements.

Another Eze: Arsenal preparing huge bid to sign £78m “world-class superstar”

The summer transfer window saw Arsenal enjoy one of the most exciting transfer windows in their illustrious history.

Edu had left the club and Andrea Berta had arrived. The job he performed was incredible during his first window in charge of recruitment.

Viktor Gyokeres was the marquee addition but the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have bolstered the forward line and ensured that Mikel Arteta can afford to rest and rotate a little bit more.

The defence was also strengthened, of course it was. Arteta loves a defender. Although, with both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes currently out injured, it’s probably just as well Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie signed.

So, what could January hold?

Where Arsenal could strengthen in January

Given the mass spending over the summer, it’s quite unlikely that Berta signs anyone throughout the winter.

That being said, with injuries ravaging the squad, it would not be a total surprise to see even more depth added.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It’s in the forward line where another player could arrive. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz have both been linked, as has someone from Real Madrid.

According to Caught Offside, both Liverpool and Arsenal are ‘preparing their bids’ for Brazilian winger Rodrygo.

The Gunners were linked with the Madrid star right throughout the summer window but he ultimately ended up staying at the Bernabeu.

A few months on and rumours of a Rodrygo move to north London are gathering pace again. Caught Offside state that as a result of the attacker’s limited game time this season, they are willing to sanction his exit if a bid of around £78m is made.

Liverpool and Arsenal both currently lead the race but you would sense a move to Anfield is more likely given the Gunners already have plenty of options in wide areas.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing for Arsenal

How we judge Rodrygo is a tricky one. This season, the 24-year-old has played 16 games but has only started three times in LaLiga. He’s failed to score and only registered two assists. It’s pretty evident why he’s searching for a way out of Madrid this winter.

Last term was a better one for the Brazilian, scoring 14 and supplying 11 goals for his teammates. That said, he failed to score in his final 13 league outings. Worrying signs.

At his best, however, he is “one of the best wingers in the world” in the words of analyst Spencer Mossman. He’s also a “world-class superstar” in the eyes of former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric. He’s certainly seen a few greats come and go in the Spanish capital.

It was only back in 2022/23 that Rodrygo, still a spring chicken in the world of football, scored 19 goals. He’s a goal threat and a creative outlet too. He’s rather similar to Eze in that regard.

While Rodrygo can play on either flank, it’s on the left, one of Eze’s best positions, where he’s most at home. Both fabulous ball carriers and comfortable in tight spaces, they are particularly alike with regard to their flair and the excitement they offer in the final third.

Goals

0.31

0.37

Assists

0.19

0.21

Expected goals

0.32

0.36

Shots on target

1.18

1.17

Key passes

1.93

1.95

Progressive passes

4.08

3.72

Shot-creating actions

4.64

4.42

Successful take-ons

2.32

2.47

Analysing their numbers over the last two and a half seasons, it’s clear to see just how alike the two dynamic forwards are.

Over several metrics they’ve been registering near identical numbers, specifically when it comes to shots on target, key passes and shot-creating actions.

Eze has been a breath of fresh air since joining Arsenal from Palace. That hat-trick against Spurs will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments from a north London derby. To sign a similar player in Rodrygo, therefore, is sure to delight supporters.

Creative, capable of scoring goals and fleet-footed, another Eze could be on their way to north London.

Arteta must drop Arsenal star who had fewer touches than Raya vs Brentford

It was a game to forget for the Arsenal star on Wednesday night.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 4, 2025

He's a lot like Bielsa: Leeds could sack Farke for "special" 4-2-3-1 manager

Elland Road was a very toxic place to be at the full-time whistle on Sunday as Leeds United slipped into the Premier League relegation spaces.

Leeds weren’t completely abject against Aston Villa, but football is a game of fine margins, and Unai Emery’s travelling side just about managed to get the better of the Whites in the 2-1 loss, to hand them their fifth defeat from their last six Premier League games.

That is the sort of dire form that gets you sacked, with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” even being hurled Daniel Farke’s way as he continues to remain on very thin ice in the Leeds dug-out.

Names are beginning to emerge that could replace the under-fire German, too, as a dismissal begins to feel somewhat inevitable…

Who could replace Farke at Leeds?

The Mirror has speculated on a couple of contenders who could come into the relegation-threatened hot seat if Farke is to be put out of his misery soon.

Indeed, Carlos Corberan is named as one possible replacement for the ex-Norwich City boss, with the Spaniard previously calling West Yorkshire home with Huddersfield Town, alongside also formerly being on the coaching staff at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa’s revered tenure.

Moreover, the Mirror also throws Marco Rose, Brendan Rodgers, and Ange Postecoglou into the mix, with the high-energy football Bielsa used to serve up no doubt coming back to the forefront if the out-of-work Australian were to take on another Premier League vacancy.

Yet, he isn’t the only face that holds some similarities to the enigmatic Argentine, who could soon be Leeds’ saviour. Thiago Motta is certainly another name that catches the eye.

The report states that he models his game on Bielsa, and the ex-Bologna manager has been previously linked with a switch to England, so this could go down as a match made in heaven.

How Motta could be Leeds' next Bielsa

Amazingly, Motta’s name has been floating about as a candidate to be the next manager at Elland Road since April, with the time now looking right for Leeds to swoop in and win their next boss, as he remains out of work and Farke remains on a precarious tight-rope.

As per The Athletic, the former Italy international is a disciple of Bielsa, with both his Bologna and Juventus teams being structured around playing the same vibrant, fast, forward-thinking football that the Uruguay manager became known for during his memorable stay in West Yorkshire.

Games managed

195

Wins

84

Draws

52

Losses

59

Goals scored

302

Goals conceded

249

Points accumulated

304

That is seen looking at the table above, with 302 goals put away in some tense environments in the Serie A at the helm of both Bologna and Juventus.

While he did get the sack from the Old Lady, Leeds fans, in particular, will look at his Bologna stint with plenty of promise as to how he could transform the relegation-doomed outfit’s fortunes.

From his two seasons at the helm of the Serie A side, he turned the usual relegation strugglers into an easy-on-the-eye watch heading for the European positions.

Motta secured a ninth-place finish and a fifth-place finish during his two seasons at the club, which included Champions League football coming on the menu, much like Bielsa managed to steer Leeds to an unexpected ninth spot during the 2020/21 season, right after promotion.

Serie A expert James Horncastle would even go out of his way to label the 4-2-3-1-focused manager as “special” for his achievements in Italy, with Bielsa no stranger to similar latherings of praise when he was still in West Yorkshire, as murals even ended up being dedicated to the transformative South American.

Bielsa also managed to be a breath of fresh air that was desperately needed after Leeds had struggled for some time. Could Motta be the same spark in the here and now that finally allows the Whites to be seen as a team capable of survival and far more in the Premier League?

Of course, it would be an almighty gamble to throw in a manager, no matter his reputation, into a relegation dog-fight, in a country he isn’t all too aware of.

But, Bielsa instantly hit the ground running in the Championship, and if Leeds want to be bold and try something new away from the defeats currently piling up under Farke, Motta might well be their desired man.

Forget Aaronson: It's a sackable offence if Farke starts £14m Leeds man again

Daniel Farke must be sacked at Leeds United if he continues to start this ropey dud.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 24, 2025

Man Utd receive bid for "insane" £105k-p/w player, he's said yes to January move

Manchester United have now received an offer for an “insane” player ahead of the January transfer window, and he’s said yes to the move…

Man Utd could offload "insane" player in January

Just when Man United were looking like they might have turned a corner, they were brought crashing back down to earth against Everton on Monday night, with the Toffees emerging as 1-0 winners, in what was David Moyes’ first-ever win as a visiting manager at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were unable to take anything from the game, despite playing against ten men for the majority of the night, with Idrissa Gueye being shown a straight red card after striking his own teammate, Michael Keane.

Having gone the five previous Premier League games undefeated, the loss serves as a reminder that the current squad is still some way off being able to compete for major honours, as pointed out by Ruben Amorim in his post-match interview.

As such, there is work to be done in the January transfer window and beyond, and Man United now have a decision to make when it comes to Joshua Zirkzee’s future, as AS Roma have submitted a loan with an option to buy offer for the striker.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Zirkzee is now edging closer to joining Roma, having ‘said yes’ to the January move, although it is currently unclear whether United are willing to sanction a departure.

The Dutchman is valued at €40m (£35m), with the Italian club willing to include an obligation to buy if they qualify for the Champions League, but it is not specified what sort of fee they would be willing to shell out.

Man Utd should cash-in on Zirkzee this winter

The 24-year-old has flattered to deceive ever since his arrival at Old Trafford, scoring just three Premier League goals in 37 appearances, and his recent performance against Everton was less than impressive.

The Netherlands international squandered one big chance and received a SofaScore match rating of just 6.3, the joint-lowest of any player, excluding Gueye, who was dismissed after just 13 minutes.

Alongside Zirkzee: Man Utd's "waste of time" must not start again for Amorim

Ruben Amorim has a bold decision to make over the future of one Manchester United flop.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 25, 2025

Having been lauded as “insane” by scout Ben Mattinson in the past, the £105k-a-week forward could succeed elsewhere, and he may have a part to play until Benjamin Sesko returns from a knee injury.

However, Amorim should definitely move Zirkzee on in the January transfer window and bring in a new striker to rival Sesko for a starting spot, with Man United recently renewing their interest in Bayern Munich star Harry Kane.

Enzo Maresca makes January claim with Chelsea star "out for a while" through injury

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared an injury update on his squad, and they could be without one of their players until after the new year.

The Blues made light work of London rivals Tottenham in their last outing, cruising to a 1-0 win on enemy turf, and Thomas Frank’s side hardly laid a glove on them.

It was a much-needed victory for Maresca’s men, who were dispatched by newly-promoted Sunderland in their previous Premier League clash the weekend prior.

The loss at home to Regis Le Bris’ side sparked major outrage after what was a very disappointing performance, with reports in the aftermath suggesting that Maresca’s long-term Chelsea future is far from certain amid interest from Juventus.

Luckily for the Italian, Chelsea have responded to that defeat in good fashion — knocking Wolves out of the Carabao Cup via a dramatic 4-3 win at Molineux to then claim the London derby spoils.

It has been a mixed start to 25/26 for Chelsea after what was a stellar summer, having won both the Conference League and Club World Cup earlier this year, but Maresca is believed to be dissatisfied with the squad at his disposal overall.

Chelsea ended the last summer transfer window as one of England’s most lavish spenders, investing nearly £300 million in new recruits, but the west Londoners failed to shore up their centre-back options or bring in a world-class goalkeeper.

Rank

Club

Gross Spend

Sales

Net Spend

20.

Bournemouth

£136.7m

£202.5m

+£65.8m

19.

Brighton

£67.7m

£127.5m

+£59.8m

18.

Brentford

£92.8m

£152m

+£59.2m

17.

Wolves

£105.6m

£126.5m

+£20.9m

16.

Chelsea

£296.5m

£314.4m

+£17.9m

BlueCo are reportedly ready to prioritise the signing of a centre-back for Chelsea in January, but Maresca hasn’t exactly been helped by injuries and suspensions either.

Summer signing Liam Delap was missing for weeks with a hamstring problem and couldn’t play against Tottenham last weekend after his red card at Wolves.

Malo Gusto was also suspended recently, with Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez, Joao Pedro and Delap all sent off in the last 44 days alone.

Chelsea’s current disciplinary issues are a real conundrum for Maresca to solve, and it’s the last thing he needs considering their troubles with fitness issues this campaign.

Right now, Pedro Neto, Benoit Badiashile, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are all unavailable through injury, and Maresca might not welcome back the latter until 2026.

Chelsea could be without Dario Essugo until January

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of their Champions League clash with Qarabag, Maresca suggests that Essugo could be out injured until January.

Essugo, who’s been called a ‘frightening’ player by members of the media like journalist Antonio Mango, hasn’t been able to showcase his best since joining Chelsea in the summer, and it’ll be a while before he gets to do so.

That being said, there is some good news.

Chelsea’s manager believes that star forward Palmer, who’s been battling a niggling groin problem since the start of the season, could return for their blockbuster European showdown against Barcelona.

Chelsea play their last game before the next international break against Wolves this weekend, and their Barça clash is scheduled to take place around three days after they return to action away to Burnley on November 22.

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