Chelsea head into their Carabao Cup tie with fresh uncertainty over player availability. Enzo Maresca’s side are winless in three matches across competitions, and injuries are complicating matters. The biggest concern surrounds Cole Palmer, whose groin problem has lingered for weeks. Maresca revealed the midfielder’s commitment is unquestionable, but there is still no clear return date.
Fans recall he withdrew just before kick-off against West Ham last month, underlining the fragility of his condition. Wesley Fofana also gave Chelsea a scare after asking to be substituted at the weekend, though Maresca insisted it was more fatigue than injury. Elsewhere, summer recruit Dario Essugo has undergone surgery on a thigh issue picked up with Portugal’s Under-21s. Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile remain sidelined but are back in training at Cobham, with October comebacks targeted.