CHELSEA are set to have ELEVEN first-team players missing for Sunday’s home clash against Crystal Palace.
Joao Felix will serve the first of a three-game ban following his reckless red card at Fulham on Thursday.
Graham Potter has seen an already depleted squad thin even further following Felix’s suspension.
Denis Zakaria is also set to miss out after picking up a thigh injury in the 2-1 defeat to Fulham.
Felix’s suspension means Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to start his first Chelsea match since October.
The 31-year-old has started just four Premier League games this season, scoring one goal.
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A lack of options means he is poised to be joined in the front three by Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech with Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic both crocked.
Zakaria’s injury is a blow for Chelsea, with the loanee impressing in midfield as of late.
His absence could see a midfield trio of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount start the game against Palace.
Lewis Hall looks like a serious prospect at left-back, and he may get the nod again ahead of Marc Cucurella.
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Cesar Azpilicueta will continue in the right in the absence of Reece James.
Alternatively, Potter could stick with the same five at the back system he used at Fulham.
That would see Cucurella slot in alongside Silva, while Potter may decide to hand a debut to new signing Benoit Badiashile.
Kalidou Koulibaly has struggled as of late, despite his goal in the defeat at Craven Cottage.
Conor Gallagher could also come into midfield.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
