Enzo Fernandez will play as a No10 for Chelsea in Cole Palmer’s absence today as Brighton visit Stamford Bridge.
Palmer was forced off in the first half against Manchester United last weekend and has been ruled out until after the upcoming international break.
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In his absence, Enzo Maresca has selected Joao Pedro as a striker, with Fernandez as a No10 and Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo in defensive midfield. Estevao and Pedro Neto come in as wingers.
“Yes, we decided to protect a little bit Cole, in terms of not letting his injury get worse,” said Maresca.
“We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100 per cent and to be fit after the international break.
"I don't think he needs surgery but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him.”
Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo have also been ruled out until after the international break, but still there is no starting nod for Josh Acheampong. Jorrel Hato partners Trevoh Chalobah at the back.
Tosin has a “small calf issue” and Fofana is observing a 12-day concussion protocol after suffering symptoms of concussion in a Carabao Cup win over Lincoln, when he was clattered by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in the second minute but went on to complete the full match.
Facundo Buonanotte scored his first Chelsea goal against Lincoln on Tuesday night but is ineligible for Saturday because opponents Brighton are his parent club.
Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile return to the bench after extended injury layoffs.
Striker Liam Delap is out until December with a hamstring injury, and Dario Essugo has a thigh injury which required surgery. His return to action could come in 2026.
Levi Colwill is out for the majority of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Estevao, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro
Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Gusto, Badiashile, Lavia, Gittens, Garnacho, George, Guiu
Injured: Palmer, Colwill, Tosin, Fofana, Delap, Essugo
Ineligible: Buonanotte
Time and date: 3pm BST on Saturday, September 27, 2025
Venue: Stamford Bridge
