Chelsea are aiming to end their two-game winless Premier League run when they host Brighton Hove Albion this afternoon, and they must find a way to cope without Cole Palmer while their star man continues to manage a persistent groin injury.
The England star was forced off in the first half against Manchester United last weekend and has been ruled out until after the upcoming international break. In his absence, Enzo Maresca could select Joao Pedro as a striker, use Enzo Fernandez as a No10 and Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo in defensive midfield.
Softfootball reported that the Blues edged past League One Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup midweek to recover from back-to-back defeats, but the Italian was far from pleased with the performance of his much-changed team. He will be expecting an improved display today and certainly better than he witnessed in Chelsea's last two meetings with the Seagulls.