Chelsea vs. Ajax lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest as Palmer, Fernandez miss Champions League return

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Chelsea vs. Ajax lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest as Palmer, Fernandez miss Champions League return

Chelsea are back in UEFA Champions League action on October 22 as Enzo Maresca’s side host Ajax.

The Blues have endured a mixed start to their European campaign after returning to the UCL for the first time since 2023.

Defeat at Bayern Munich in their opening game of the league phase was followed by a 1-0 home win over Benfica.

However, Maresca’s charges head into this fixture on the back of a strong overall run of form, including three successive wins across all competitions.

Chelsea have lost just once at home in 2025/26 and visitors Ajax have tasted defeat in both of their European games so far.

John Heitinga’s team lost 2-0 at home to 2025 finalists Inter Milan and 4-0 on the road against Marseille. A 2-0 home loss to AZ over the weekend left them fourth in the Dutch Eredivisie.

MORE: UEFA Champions League fixtures 2025/26: Schedule of matchdays, results

Chelsea vs. Ajax: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest

Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League weekend win at Nottingham Forest meant the end of the road for Ange Postecoglou after just 39 days at the City Ground. For the most part, it is not a game that will have altered Maresca’s plans much.

The Blues boss has already confirmed Cole Palmer will be sidelined for longer than expected due to a groin injury and the England international is not expected back until December.

Enzo Fernandez missed the Forest game after sustaining a knee injury on duty with Argentina and he is unlikely to be risked with such a short turnaround in between matches.

Malo Gusto‘s red card against Forest means a domestic suspension for the Frenchman, so he could be involved here given he will have to sit out next weekend’s game with Sunderland. Joao Pedro is banned for one UCL game after his red card against Benfica, so Brazil star Estevao could start as a false No.9.

Chelsea predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella — Lavia, Caicedo — Neto, Santos, Garnacho — Estevao

Injured: Colwill (ACL), Badiashile (muscle), Palmer (groin), Delap (thigh), Essugo (thigh), Fernandez (knee)
Suspended: Joao Pedro (red card), Mudryk (doping)

Heitinga rested some of his key names for the 2-0 weekend league defeat at home to rivals AZ, and he is expected to recall Ko Itakura and Davy Klaassen.

Netherlands international Steven Berghuis is ruled out with a knee problem and a late call will be made on the fitness of Owen Wijndal and Kasper Dolberg.

Ajax predicted starting XI (4-5-1, right to left): Jaros (GK) — Rosa, Itakura, Baas, Gaaei — Regeer, Klaassen, Gloukh, Taylor, Godts — Weghorst

Injured: Konadu (muscle), Wijndal (muscle, doubt), Dolberg (abdomen, doubt)
Suspended: None