Enzo Maresca provide update on Cole Palmer fitness after harsh tackle from Martinez.
Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League thanks to their draw at Manchester United. The spirited performance from Enzo Maresca’s side in an underwhelming encounter saw them pick up a point from the midweek disappointment against Newcastle United.
The Blues had to combat a United side who were looking for a response after their 2-1 defeat away at West Ham United last weekend. The controversial loss was enough to see Erik ten Hag dismissed from his position as head coach at Old Trafford.
Chelsea have made an impressive start under the Italian, despite a summer that was far from ideal. Currently, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are behind them in the league, while they sit seven points off league leaders Liverpool.
The medical department at Stamford Bridge boast one of the best injury records so far this season. Only Villa have a cleaner bill of health while Leicester, Nottingham Forest and the Hammers have three injury concerns – the same number as Chelsea.
There are two more matches in all competitions for the Blues before they are forced to enter another international break – ahead of a hectic Christmas and New Year period. They are back at Stamford Bridge on Thursday against FC Noah – with the chance to extend their 100 per cent record in the UEFA Conference League.
It is then the London derby before the 13-day top-flight break, with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal travelling across the capital on Sunday (4:30pm kick-off). Here is the latest Chelsea injury news.
Cole Palmer
Chelsea will continue to monitor Cole Palmer’s fitness after the star forward was the victim of a cynical tackle from Lisandro Martinez. The Argentina defender was booked for reckless challenge, but VAR opted against intervening and upgraded the yellow card to red.
Palmer will miss the Conference League encounter regardless, due to the decision to omit him from the squad for the Group Stages. But Maresca made a worrying admission post match.
“He was there in the changing room with ice. We are waiting now. Hopefully, it is nothing important,” he said.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho missed the trip to his parent club, Manchester United, due to the loan rules, but marked his latest absence after missing the 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
The England international missed the trip to St James’ Park through illness and it remains to be seen whether he will feature again soon.
Possible return date: Unknown
Omari Kellyman
Summer signing Omari Kellyman has yet to feature for Chelsea since his move from Aston Villa in the summer. The 19-year-old made the cross-Premier League move for a fee in the region of £19million but has been absent since September, after suffering a hamstring injury.
Kellyman was carrying a knock around the time he made the move to London and missed the US Tour but managed to feature for the under-21s.
It was initially suggested that he would be out until at least November and around the time of his initial issue, he said: “Gutted to have suffered another long hamstring injury [broken heart emoji] Part of the game but I’ll be back stronger [bicep emoji].”
Possible return date: Unknown
