Key Points
- Leeds United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in a Premier League clash, with Leeds battling to stay six points clear of the drop zone after a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
- Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory at Wolves on Saturday, with Cole Palmer scoring a first-half hat-trick in their fourth straight league win, placing them fifth.
- Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has a large squad but several players are missing; Reece James is expected back after a minor knock.
- Cole Palmer has been managing an injury but played 61 minutes against Wolves unscathed, though Chelsea suffered a new possible injury blow in that match.
- Leeds welcomed back three players from injury for their win against Nottingham Forest under Daniel Farke, but six players remain out for the Chelsea game.
- Four Leeds players are doubts for the match, but one of those is expected to return.
- Chelsea’s squad depth gives Rosenior options despite absences, as documented widely in reports.
Stamford Bridge (The Leeds Times) February 8, 2026 – Leeds United prepare for a crucial Premier League encounter against bitter rivals Chelsea on Tuesday night, with injuries plaguing both sides ahead of the 7.30pm kick-off.
- Key Points
- Who Are Chelsea’s Confirmed Absences for Leeds Clash?
- What Is the Status of Cole Palmer’s Fitness?
- Which Chelsea Players Are Expected to Return?
- Who Are Leeds United’s Six Confirmed Out?
- What Are Leeds’ Four Injury Doubts?
- How Did Recent Matches Impact Injuries?
- What Boosts Do Both Teams Have?
- Why Is This Fixture Pivotal?
Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, sit six points above the relegation zone following a vital 3-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest on Friday night, where three players returned from injury. Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, climbed to fifth after Cole Palmer’s hat-trick secured a 3-1 win at bottom-placed Wolves on Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive league triumph. However, blows have left six Leeds players confirmed out and four in doubt, while Chelsea’s vast squad mitigates their issues, though a new concern emerged at Molineux.
Who Are Chelsea’s Confirmed Absences for Leeds Clash?
Chelsea boast significant squad depth, allowing boss Liam Rosenior plenty of options despite missing players for the Wolves game. Tosin Adarabioyo and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens remain sidelined with muscle injuries, as confirmed in recent previews. Romeo Lavia is yet to recover fully from a thigh problem, with earlier reports from Enzo Maresca’s era noting he was
Long-term absentee Levi Colwill continues rehabilitation after ACL surgery last summer; Maresca stated back in August,
“Levi successfully underwent surgery for his ACL injury today. Medical evaluations indicated that surgery was the necessary course of action. He will now begin his rehabilitation and receive support from the medical staff at Cobham during this phase.”
Dario Essugo, Filip Jorgensen, and Mykho Mudryk (suspended) will also miss out, per match previews. Andrey Santos is a doubt after picking up an injury against Wolves, with the team anxiously monitoring his status.
As reported by football.london staff, these absences highlight Chelsea’s injury challenges, though their recent form remains strong.
What Is the Status of Cole Palmer’s Fitness?
Star man Cole Palmer netted a first-half hat-trick in Chelsea’s 3-1 success at Wolves but has been managing an injury throughout. He came through 61 minutes unscathed, boosting hopes for the Leeds clash. Earlier setbacks included a groin issue that sidelined him for multiple games and a fractured toe from a home accident, as Enzo Maresca noted:
“He is not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure, Arsenal for sure. Unfortunately he had an accident at home two days ago and he hit his toe but it is nothing important.”
Despite past disruptions, Palmer’s performance against Wolves suggests he is expected back or at least available, aligning with the story’s tease of a star return.
Which Chelsea Players Are Expected to Return?
Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, has missed the last two matches due to a minor knock but is poised for a comeback. Liam Rosenior confirmed post-Wolves,
“He’s very close. He should be available for Tuesday. It’s not a significant issue at all—just a knock and a matter of pain management. He was out running yesterday.”
This boost comes amid seven players now back across both camps, per early assessments.
Rosenior reiterated in his press conference, as covered by Eyefootball, the optimism around James’ readiness for the high-stakes fixture.
Who Are Leeds United’s Six Confirmed Out?
Leeds have six men definitively out for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Daniel James suffered a hamstring tendon injury, ruling him out for at least eight weeks, potentially longer if surgery is needed. As reported by Daniel Farke in his pre-match briefing, covered by BBC Sport,
“It’s great news regarding Anton [Stach]; he’s back in team training and definitely available for this match. However, we have some unfortunate news about Daniel James. He has sustained an injury to his hamstring tendon and will be sidelined, depending on whether he requires surgery. It appears he will miss at least the next eight weeks.”
Farke added,
“As it stands, we anticipate he will be out for a minimum of two months, and it could be longer if surgery is necessary. We need him back as soon as possible.”
Other absentees include Anton Stach (earlier concussion, now back per some updates), David James (hamstring), and Sean Longstaff (calf), though statuses evolve. Earlier reports mentioned Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Largie Ramazani missing games due to injuries.
What Are Leeds’ Four Injury Doubts?
Four Leeds players are doubts, though one is expected to feature. Karl Darlow missed recent sessions with a minor adductor issue but has returned to training. Farke noted,
“Karl missed three training sessions last week and was unable to travel with us, but that issue seems to have been resolved. It was a minor adductor injury, and he returned to training today and should be fine.”
Jayden Bogle is back in team training after a bruise.
The expected returnee aligns with these recoveries, bolstering Farke’s squad after three players rejoined for the Forest win.
How Did Recent Matches Impact Injuries?
Chelsea’s win at Wolves brought a “new possible injury blow,” with Andrey Santos’ issue emerging in the success where Palmer starred. Rosenior’s side has won four straight league games, showcasing depth despite the huge squad’s documented size.
Leeds’ 3-1 triumph over Forest was “essential” in maintaining their buffer from relegation, despite key men battling knocks; Farke mentioned
“some knocks and tired legs as with every game”
post other fixtures. The quick turnaround—four nights later—tests both teams at opposite ends of the table.
What Boosts Do Both Teams Have?
Both camps report seven men now back from injury. For Leeds, Anton Stach is available after team training, and Darlow and Bogle have rejoined sessions. Farke confirmed on Jayden Bogle:
“It was nothing too serious, just a bruise was a bit sore and painful in the first few days. But since yesterday [he is] back in team training so he will be available if nothing major happens.”
Chelsea anticipate Reece James’ return, providing a major lift at right-back. Palmer’s ongoing involvement despite management adds firepower. These returns offset the outs, setting up a fiercely contested derby.
Why Is This Fixture Pivotal?
This historic rivalry at Stamford Bridge pits promotion-chasing or mid-table Chelsea against relegation-threatened Leeds. Leeds’ six-point cushion is precarious; a win keeps momentum. Chelsea aim to solidify top-five status post their streak. Injuries amplify the drama, with managers Farke and Rosenior navigating absences in a match crucial for both survival and ascent.
