12 players who could miss Chelsea vs Brighton – Cole Palmer update, new blow confirmed

Enzo Maresca could see Chelsea's absent players reach double digits for their Premier League encounter with Brighton on Saturday. The Blues have been struck by some devastating injury setbacks in recent weeks,with star player Cole Palmer sidelined for the coming weeks.

"We decided to protect a little bit Cole in terms of him not getting a worse injury," Maresca acknowledged during his Friday press conference. "So we decided to rest him for the next two, three weeks, probably until [the] international break, just to see if with that rest he can be able to recover 100% and to be completely fit after the international break.

"I don't think he needs surgery. It's just a matter of managing his pain and his groin. The amount of games is something that can happen. So this is the reason why we try to be conservative with him to give him rest and hopefully he can be 100% fit after the international break."

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After being substituted following merely 21 minutes of last weekend's loss to Manchester United, it was anticipated that Palmer would miss some matches, but Maresca has also revealed a fresh double setback.

"We have a Tosin [Adarabioyo] injury that probably will be out until the international break," he disclosed.

"He has a small problem in his calf. And then Wes Fofana, that he had a concussion the other day against Lincoln. And the rest, I think they are all okay."

The Chelsea manager was able to deliver at least two encouraging updates with Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia edging closer to comebacks that might even materialise this weekend.

Discussing the pair, he revealed: "Romeo and Benoit, they are better. We'll see if they can join us tomorrow. Otherwise it will be for the next one."

Marc Guiu and Josh Acheampong were absent from the Carabao Cup triumph against Lincoln due to minor knocks, though the latter might be required should Badiashile, Tosin and Fofana all remain unavailable.

Liam Delap continues his recovery from a hamstring setback with his return unlikely before December. Following surgical procedures, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo represent the long-term casualties.

Chelsea loanee Facundo Buonanotte cannot feature against his parent club.

Fabian Hurzeler faces considerably fewer fitness headaches at Brighton with four potential concerns alleviated during his pre-match media briefing.

"Some positive news, Mats Wieffer is back, as is Maxim De Cuyper," he revealed.

"Jack [Hinshelwood] is still out so overall we have some options, especially regarding our full-backs, so good news."

The latter remains unavailable alongside Solly March and Adam Webster, though both Yankuba Minteh and Brajan Gruda have been declared fit following their participation in Thursday's training session.

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