Early Chelsea and Burnley team news ahead of Premier League clash with ex- Blues striker set to miss reunion
The latest team news from Turf Moor as Burnley prepare to host Chelsea in the Premier League.
Burnley face a tough test at home to Chelsea this weekend when the Premier League returns from the international break.
The Clarets suffered back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and West Ham by 2-0 and 3-2 respective scorelines before the final national team duties of 2025 - with the latter particularly disappointing given they took the lead in the 35th minute and dominated long spells of the match.
The loss to West Ham also means the two sides are now level on 10 points, with only goal difference keeping Burnley outside the relegation zone. So, despite facing a Chelsea side sitting third in the table and unbeaten in their last four across all competitions, a positive result is needed to keep Burnley’s competitive start going.
Burnley dealt Armando Broja blow during international break
Burnley look to have been dealt a huge blow, with Armando Broja having to be stretchered off during Albania’s 2-0 defeat to England on Sunday.
The former Chelsea striker left the pitch with his head in his hands after appearing to fall awkwardly, and given the wretched luck he’s had with injuries over the past few years, Clarets fans will be understandably concerned. Burnley paid a fee that could rise to £20million for Broja this summer, off the back of the striker managing just 331 minutes of Premier League action on loan at Everton last season. The 24-year-old has only managed 75 minutes across five substitute appearances in the Premier League since arriving at Turf Moor.
Lyle Foster looks set to be called up for South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations squad next month, meaning Zian Flemming and Ashley Barnes will be the only recognised No.9s available to Scott Parker. Thankfully, the former is in great form, netting three goals in his last three appearances.
Early Burnley team news ahead of Chelsea clash
Burnley have further long-term fitness issues to negotiate, with defenders Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer not due back from their knee injuries until December and January, respectively. Zeki Amdouni is also out long-term with an ACL injury, and we’re unlikely to see the Swiss forward - who spent last season on loan at Benfica - until April.
Full-back Quilindschy Hartman withdrew from the Netherlands squad due to illness. The 24-year-old is expected to be fit to feature against Chelsea, and Parker will be desperate to have him available given he’s registered a joint-league-high four assists so far from 12 chances created. Scott Parker has already stated that fringe players will be vital as we move into the busy winter schedule, with games coming thick and fast, AFCON to deal with, and further potential injuries.
“As always, you have a squad of 25 players and you're going to need all of them. At this moment in time, we've been pretty good regarding injuries. But like I said, I was hugely pleased with the subs that came on the weekend,” Parker said last week. “I thought they made a massive impact in the game, showed their quality as well. So yeah, I was pleased with that.”
Early Chelsea team news ahead of Turf Moor visit
Chelsea are also juggling plenty of fitness issues at the moment. Enzo Maresca will be without Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia until early November with groin and thigh issues, respectively. Meanwhile, Dario Essugo is out for the rest of the year, and Levi Colwill is recovering from a long-term ACL injury.
Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto should both be fit to return to action on Saturday, while Benoit Badiashile could make an unexpectedly early return from a muscular problem to take his place on the bench.