Liam Rosenior has confirmed Cole Palmer is sidelined with a minor thigh strain but hopes to have him available for Chelsea's Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday.
Palmer missed Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal, which Chelsea lost 3-2 at home. Rosenior explained the decision was precautionary, stating: "If you play someone with a minor strain in January, it can be six weeks. I can't afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks."
The Chelsea boss also revealed an illness is spreading through the squad, with Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens absent due to "dangerously high temperatures". He kept the ill players away from the group to prevent further spread.
Rosenior took responsibility for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's performance, saying he asked him to do things he hadn't done before. Despite the defeat, he praised the team's energy and intensity, and singled out Estevao, Pedro Neto, and Garnacho for positive contributions.
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February at the Emirates Stadium.
