Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth: Predicted line-ups, confirmed team news and latest injuries

The 19-year-old midfielder signed from Southampton last month but is yet to make his debut. Chelsea say he is being ‘assessed for an injury’ after twisting his ankle during the international break.

Lavia joins Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja, Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah and Marcus Bettinelli on the sidelines.

Badiashile and Broja are on the verge of recovery but will not play at Bournemouth with a return planned for next week’s game at home to Aston Villa.

Chelsea will likely stick to their tried-and-true 4-2-3-1 formation, even though they have won just four points from their opening four games.

Mauricio Pochettino is happy with the performances and believes the team only needs small adjustments to start racking up more wins.

This means Robert Sanchez will continue in goal in front of four defenders including Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill.

Chelsea will play with their usual midfield trio of Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. There will also be a front three of Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson and Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea XI predicted: Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill; Enzo, Caicedo; Sterling, Gallagher, Chilwell; Jackson.

Injuries: James, Lavia, Badiashile, Broja, Chukwuemeka, Fofana, Chalobah, Bettinelli, Nkuknu

Time and date: 2 p.m., Sunday September 17, 2023

Place: Vitality Stadium