Palestra could start for Chelsea for the first time

Italy international Marco Palestra could make his first competitive start for Chelsea in the EFL Cup fourth round against Liverpool on Wednesday evening. According to Evening Standard's pre-match reports, the 21-year-old is expected to play at right-back.

Palestra became one of Serie A's standout young talents while on loan at Cagliari last season. That performance also helped him make his debut for the Azzurri. Linked with Inter over the summer, the player eventually joined Chelsea for a transfer fee of 60 million euros.

Palestra looked good in pre-season under Xabi Alonso and was expected to start against Fulham to open the season. However, an injury suffered in training before the opening weekend kept him out until the September-October international break. Up to that point, he had appeared three times as a substitute in the Premier League, playing a total of 44 minutes.

This situation has caused some concern among fans. His 25-minute substitute appearance against Tottenham at the weekend drew criticism on social media. Some supporters argued that the player has not regained his tempo since the injury and is not yet physically ready for the demands of the English top flight.

With Pedro Neto the first choice at right-back in the league, Palestra faces a tough battle to secure a place in Alonso's starting XI. Wednesday's match is seen as an important opportunity for him to show what he can do and to strengthen his position.