Chelsea will be without several key players when they host Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night, following a 3-1 Premier League defeat to Brighton. The Blues are looking to bounce back after losing their opening group fixture to Bayern Munich two weeks ago.
Enzo Maresca's side face a Benfica team now managed by Jose Mourinho, but the Italian will have to field a depleted squad. Cole Palmer is ruled out after it was decided to rest his groin injury until after the October international break, while Liam Delap is sidelined for up to 12 weeks with a hamstring problem.
Levi Colwill is expected to miss several months after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury sustained in pre-season. Tosin Adarabioyo is a doubt with a calf problem but could return after the break, and Wesley Fofana may feature against Benfica after recovering from a concussion.
Maresca confirmed on Monday that Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos face late fitness tests. “This afternoon we're going to assess Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos,” he said. “They are all players with some small problems.”
Dario Essugo remains out long-term after thigh surgery, with no return date set.
