---
title: "Chelsea XI vs Fulham: Caicedo absent as Acheampong starts"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/24/chelsea-xi-vs-fulham-caicedo-absent-as-acheampong-starts/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2026-08-24T18:05:56Z"
modified: "2026-10-10T21:43:40Z"
---

# Chelsea XI vs Fulham: Caicedo absent as Acheampong starts

Moises Caicedo is absent from Chelsea’s matchday squad as Josh Acheampong starts in Xabi Alonso’s first competitive side against Fulham.

No reason has yet been given for Caicedo’s omission. Chelsea had reported [no fresh injury concerns before the match](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/xabi-alonso-delivers-the-latest-chelsea-team-news-ahead-of-fulham), making his absence a major surprise.

Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto are both named among the substitutes, while summer signing Marco Palestra misses out entirely.

> Watch the full interview here! [https://t.co/UCv3gvwyvZ](https://t.co/UCv3gvwyvZ)
>
> — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/2088174795003170853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Chelsea XI vs Fulham includes major Caicedo omission

Robert Sanchez starts in goal behind a back three of Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill.

Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato appear set to operate as wing-backs, with Romeo Lavia partnering Reece James in midfield.

That represents several changes from our [predicted Chelsea XI against Fulham](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/22/chelsea-predicted-xi-vs-fulham-as-alonso-makes-enzo-james-call/), which included Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto and Palestra.

Lacroix and Morgan Rogers make their competitive Chelsea debuts. Rogers joins Cole Palmer in support of Joao Pedro, after Alonso [explained how Palmer and Rogers can play together](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/24/chelsea-boss-explains-cole-palmer-and-morgan-rogers-plan-before-fulham/).

Danny Welbeck could also make his debut from the bench.

**Chelsea XI:** Sanchez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Lavia, James, Hato; Palmer, Joao Pedro, Rogers.

**Chelsea substitutes:** Penders, Chavarria, Barco, Fernandez, Neto, Gittens, Estevao, Welbeck, Quenda.

## Fulham name new-look attack

Fulham start Oscar Bobb, Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios in attack. Joachim Andersen is suspended, while Tom Cairney is unavailable with a knee injury.

**Fulham XI:** Leno; Castagne, Cuenca, Bassey, Robinson; King, Berge, Iwobi; Bobb, Garcia, Palacios.

**Fulham substitutes:** Lecomte, De Gougerolles, Tete, Reed, Charles, Sessegnon, Kevin, Smith Rowe, Muniz.

The west London derby kicks off at Craven Cottage at 8pm BST. Supporters can follow proceedings through [Chelsea’s official match centre](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/match/fulham-vs-chelsea-english-premier-league-2026-08-24).