Chelsea handed instant boost as key Leicester City star suspended for Premier League clash
Chelsea will avoid facing Leicester City star Facundo Buonanotte this weekend as he is unavailable for selection through suspension.
The Blues travel to the King Power Stadium on Saturday for the Premier League's opening fixture since the end of the November international break.
It will see Enzo Maresca return to his former club for the first time since he swapped Leicester for Chelsea in the summer.
Steve Cooper succeeded him at the Foxes and oversaw the arrival of Buonanotte on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion just weeks after his appointment in June.
The attacking midfielder has been one of their standout players this season, but he will miss the visit of Chelsea.
Buonanotte has been shown five yellow cards across his ten league appearances for Leicester during the 2024/25 campaign so far.
Premier League rules state that players who receive five yellows throughout their opening 19 matches will be suspended for one game.
The Argentine's fifth and most recent booking came in Leicester's 3-0 defeat away at Manchester United, meaning he misses the match against Chelsea.
His suspension will come as a big boost for the Blues as Buonanotte has scored three goals and provided another two assists for the Foxes.
The 19-year-old, who scored against Chelsea for Brighton last season, has been a huge hit amongst the Leicester fanbase for his impressive performances.
Buonanotte offers great pace, dribbling and footwork with the ball, and will likely be a huge miss for his side on Saturday.
Leicester will be desperate for a result as they currently sit 15th in the Premier League on ten points, three above the relegation zone.
They have just two wins to their name from 11 matches, both of which came against Bournemouth and Southampton in October.
Chelsea on the other hand will arrive at the fixture in third and full of confidence following a strong start to life under Maresca.
The Blues fared well in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal before the international break in a promising performance they can build upon this weekend.
