Chelsea and Liverpool meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening in what promises to be a high-stakes Premier League encounter. 

Both teams are desperate to bounce back after disappointing defeats last time out, Chelsea fell to Brighton, while Liverpool suffered a surprise loss to Crystal Palace.

But as much as the focus is on three points, both Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot will have to deal with significant absences. Injuries and suspensions have hit their squads, and that could play a huge role in how the match unfolds.

Chelsea’s injury and suspension problems

Chelsea’s season has been a mix of highs and lows. After playing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the Blues have struggled with fitness issues and discipline. 

In fact, they have picked up red cards in three consecutive games against Manchester United, Brighton, and Benfica.

Enzo Maresca confirmed that eight players will be unavailable for the clash with Liverpool.

• Cole Palmer – The club’s main creative spark is sidelined with a groin injury he picked up against Manchester United. His absence leaves a big hole in Chelsea’s attack.
• Levi Colwill – Still out with a long-term ACL injury.
• Liam Delap – Nursing a hamstring problem after a bright start to life at Stamford Bridge.
• Dario Essugo – Out with a thigh muscle injury.
• Trevoh Chalobah – Suspended following his red card against Brighton.
• Andrey Santos – Missed the Benfica game with injury and has not recovered in time.
• Tosin Adarabioyo – Pulled out of the Brighton match and won’t be fit for Saturday.
• Wesley Fofana – Recovering from concussion and still unavailable.

This long list leaves Maresca with a huge selection headache. Without Palmer’s creativity and with so many defensive absentees, Chelsea will rely heavily on experienced players like Raheem Sterling and Thiago Silva to step up.

Liverpool’s key missing players

Liverpool also come into the match with problems of their own. After back-to-back defeats in the league and Europe, Arne Slot is under pressure to get his team back on track. But the Reds will be without some important names.

• Alisson Becker – Picked up an injury in the defeat to Galatasaray and will not travel to London. He has also been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming international fixtures. Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal.
• Hugo Ekitike – Back in training but remains doubtful for the trip.
• Federico Chiesa – Missed the Champions League tie in Turkey and is still a major doubt.

Despite these concerns, Liverpool can still call on record signing Alexander Isak to lead the line, with players like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai expected to provide the attacking spark.

What this means for the match

Chelsea sit eighth in the table, seven points behind Liverpool in first place. On paper, Liverpool are favourites, but both sides are coming into this game low on confidence. 

Chelsea will be hoping their home crowd can lift them, while Liverpool’s depth might be 

enough to cover for their absentees.

The biggest talking point, however, is whether Chelsea can cope without Cole Palmer and whether Liverpool can manage without Alisson. Both players are central to how their teams play – one creating chances, the other preventing goals.