Chelsea take a break from Premier League action as Enzo Maresca's team head to EFL League One side Lincoln City on September 23 in the Carabao Cup.
The Blues follow the pattern of all top-flight sides competing in Europe this season by joining at the competition at the third-round stage.
Maresca's new-look side slipped to a bizarre 2-1 defeat at Manchester United over the weekend after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was dismissed after just five minutes for a clear foul on Bryan Mbeumo.
That ended Chelsea's unbeaten start to the league campaign after two wins and two draws in their opening four games of 2025/26.
Hosts Lincoln are unbeaten in their past martches games in all competitions with Michael Skubala's team third in the League One rankings.
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Chelsea lineup vs. Lincoln: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Sanchez's red card at Old Trafford means he serves a one-match suspension and misses this game with Filip Jorgensen set to replace him between the posts.
Maresca has already ruled out Cole Palmer, who suffered a recurrence of a groin injury, and was replaced early on at United.
The Italian coach will give some of his emerging youngsters an opportunity with Tyrique George, Jorrel Hato and Marc Guiu all likely to be handed the chance to impress.
Alejandro Garnacho was left on the bench on his return to Manchester and this could be an ideal chance for his first Chelsea start.
Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are back in light training but will not be ready for a match return until October.
Chelsea predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Jorgensen (GK) — Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Hato — Santos, Caicedo — Garnacho, Estevao, George — Guiu
Injured: Colwill (knee), Delap (thigh), Badiashile (muscle), Lavia (muscle), Palmer (groin), Essugo (thigh)
Suspended: Sanchez, Mudryk (doping violation)
Chelsea vs. Lincoln match details
- Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- Kickoff time: 7:45 p.m. local / 12:15 a.m. IST (Sep. 24)
- Location: Sincil Bank Stadium, Lincoln (UK)
- Competition: Carabao Cup
- Referee: Matthew Donohue