Brighton-Chelsea team news: Barkley set for first Blues appearance


Ross Barkley has been named among the substitutes for Chelsea’s trip to Brighton having been ineligible to play in the FA Cup replay against Norwich in midweek.

The 24-year-old has been in full training with his new teammates for some time and is reported to be in good shape despite not having played a single game thus far this season through injury.

Both Thibaut Courtois and Danny Drinkwater failed to recover from injuries in time, meaning Willy Caballero keeps his place in goal and with Fabregas sidelined, Barkley is the only senior central midfielder on the bench.

 

 

With Tiemoue Bakayoko forced to play the entire 120 minutes of cup action in the week it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the England international come on in the second half to partner N’Golo Kante in the Chelsea midfield.

With Alvaro Morata and Pedro both suspended, Willian and Michy Batshuayi retain their places in the starting XI in the front three with Eden Hazard.

Brighton have opted for a back three formation to try and deal with the Blues’ threat, with Connor Goldson earning a rare start, while Tomer Hemed leads the line ahead of Glenn Murray, Sam Baldock and new record signing Jurgen Locadia, who is yet to train with his new club.

You can follow the match live from 12:30 here