Liverpool will welcome Chelsea to Anfield for a highly anticipated Premier League clas next week Sunday.
The Reds are favourites following a strong start to the season under new head coach Arne Slot, currently sitting at the top of the early table.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have bounced back from their 2-0 home defeat to defending champions Manchester City on the opening weekend.
Under the guidance of new boss Enzo Maresca, they are now enjoying a six-match unbeaten streak, placing them fourth in the standings – four points behind Liverpool.
However, the gap could have been reduced to just two points had Chelsea not settled for a feisty 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge last time out.
This match has had repercussions for Chelsea, as both they and Nottingham Forest have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players during a mass confrontation.
The West London club received six yellow cards during the match, resulting in a £50,000 fine for accruing six or more bookings for the second time this season.
Among those cautioned were Spain’s Euro 2024-winning left-back Marc Cucurella and French center-back Wesley Fofana.
As this marked their fifth bookings in the Premier League this season, both players will be unavailable for the trip to Anfield.
Midfielder Omari Kellyman will also miss the match, still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last month after joining Chelsea from Aston Villa.
Additionally, there are concerns over another midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka, who has missed Chelsea’s last two matches due to illness.
While defender Levi Colwill and winger Noni Madueke both came off in the second half against Forest, they recovered in time to feature in England’s surprising 2-1 loss to Greece at Wembley on Thursday.
Furthermore, there is encouraging news for Maresca and Chelsea as captain Reece James edges closer to a return from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the season so far.
According to Telegraph journalist Matt Law (via the London Is Blue Podcast), James is expected to resume full training next week.
Given his history of injuries and the time he has missed, Maresca will likely take a cautious approach with the 24-year-old to avoid any setbacks.
Having played just under 800 minutes in the last 18 months, James is unlikely to be risked against Liverpool.
However, with a busy fixture schedule ahead of the final international break of the year, he will have ample opportunity for game time soon.
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