Double early Chelsea team news hint dropped for Panathinaikos after squad confirmed
by Amie Wilson · football.londonChelsea are back in European action on Thursday night as they travel to Greece to take on Panathinaikos in their second UEFA Conference League group game.
Enzo Maresca’s men came out as 4-2 winners over Gent in their first game of the competition earlier this month. That match saw several changes made to the team as players who have been struggling for game time were given a chance to impress.
It could be similar in Greece, with the Chelsea boss having one eye on Sunday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. It’s a busy few weeks for the Blues with them facing the same opponents just a few days later in the Carabao Cup.
The size of the Chelsea squad means that a number of players will be watching the game from back in London instead of making the trip to Greece. Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, Reece James and Malo Gusto are all not part of the travelling squad for the game .
Ahead of the match, activity on social media can sometimes give hints as to who could be involved. Defender Benoit Badiashile made his first Premier League appearance of the season on Sunday against Liverpool.
However, he has been a regular pick for Europe and cup competitions. The centre-back posted a graphic on his Instagram story promoting the game that kicks off at 5.45pm UK time, which is usually an indication of a player's involvement.
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Another player who has struggled for game time in the Premier League is midfielder Cesare Casadei. The Italian has been included on the bench just twice, and has missed out on the squad altogether for the last four matches.
His only minutes of the campaign so far have come in the Carabao Cup and in the win over Gent. The 21-year-old is part of the travelling squad who have made their way over to Greece and will be hoping to get another chance to show what he can do.
The midfielder has shared a picture on his Instagram stories showing him boarding the plane to make the trip to Athens. He could be partnered alongside summer signing Kiernan Desbury-Hall in midfield with the former Leicester man not playing any minutes since his goal against Gent in the last Conference League game.
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