Full Chelsea squad available vs Fulham as Romeo Lavia decision made

Chelsea will be aiming to secure another victory in the Premier League when they face Fulham in their Boxing Day clash.

The Blues host their west London rivals at Stamford Bridge in their festive fixture as they look to close the gap on leaders Liverpool. Chelsea are second in the Premier League table and four points adrift of the Merseyside club, who have a game in hand.

Enzo Maresca has enjoyed an impressive first season as Chelsea's new manager and will believe the club can win a major trophy this term. Victory over Fulham would see the Blues close the gap on Liverpool to one point before they face Leicester City a few hours later on Boxing Day.

Chelsea go into the game with several injury concerns, which Maresca addressed in his pre-match press conference on Christmas Eve. Romeo Lavia suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month, and Maresca confirmed that, even though the midfielder is progressing with his fitness, a return against Fulham is not on the cards.

"Romeo [Lavia] is still recovering, he's much much better, but unfortunately not ready," said Maresca. "Same situation with long-term injuries."

Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, and Omari Kellyman are also unavailable due to injuries, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains provisionally suspended by the FA. Marc Cucurella is set to return, though, after serving a one-game ban against Everton for the red card he picked up in the win over Brentford.

Here, football.london takes a look at the likely Chelsea squad to face Fulham in the Premier League, barring any late injury or fitness issues.

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen

Defenders: Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Renato Veiga

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cesare Casadei

Forwards: Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, Joao Felix

Unavailable: Reece James, Mykhailo Mudryk, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, Omari Kellyman

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