Chelsea missing 4 players for huge Premier League game vs Liverpool

Liverpool is set to return to action next week, hosting Chelsea at Anfield in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. The Reds , under new head coach Arne Slot, have had a blistering start to the season and currently sit atop the early table.

However, Chelsea, despite a 2-0 loss to reigning champions Manchester City on opening weekend, have shown significant improvement under their new manager, Enzo Maresca. A six-match unbeaten streak has placed them fourth in the standings, trailing the leaders by four points.

Their last match, a heated 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, resulted in both teams being charged by the FA for failing to control their players. This incident led to a $65,000 fine for Chelsea, as six of their players received yellow cards.

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Among those booked were Spain's Euro 2024-winning left-back Marc Cucurella and French center-back Wesley Fofana. As it was their fifth booking this season, they will be absent when Chelsea visit Anfield next weekend.

On the injury list, is midfielder Omari Kellyman, who is yet to make his Chelsea debut after transferring from Aston Villa in the summer and sustaining a hamstring injury last month. There's also uncertainty surrounding another midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka, who has been absent from Chelsea's last two matches due to illness.

However, defender Levi Colwill - previously linked with Liverpool - and winger Noni Madueke both managed to recover in time to participate in England's surprising 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday. In more positive news for Maresca and Chelsea, captain Reece James is nearing a return from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined this season.

James could resume full training next week. Given his lengthy absence and previous issues, Maresca will likely handle the 24-year-old with care to avoid any further setbacks.

Having clocked just under 800 minutes of play in the past 18 months, it's unlikely James will be risked against Liverpool. However, with a packed fixture schedule ahead before the year's final international break, he should have ample opportunities for game time.