Chelsea stars could miss Aston Villa fixture because of Premier League rule

Chelsea stars Nicolas Jackson and Pedro Neto are facing the threat of being forced to serve a one-game suspension.

Both players have accumulated four yellow cards in the Premier League this season, bringing them close to the league's disciplinary threshold.

According to Premier League regulations, a player who receives five yellow cards within the first 19 league matches will serve a one-match suspension.

Jackson has been a key figure in Chelsea's attack, scoring six goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season.

However, his aggressive style has led to four yellow cards already and with games coming up against Aston Villa and Tottenham, he is walking a suspension tightrope.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca denied that ill-discipline is a concern for his team when asked about it in October.

"It’s something we need to improve but overall, I like the team the way they are fighting,” he said.

“I like the way they are becoming a team in these kinds of things. I don’t see any problems about that.

"For sure, there are things that we can control and do better, for sure no doubt, and probably this is one of the things. But if you ask me about the team spirit, the way they are fighting together, the way they are doing things together, I’m very happy."

Portugal international Neto, who joined Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer has also accumulated four yellow cards this season and he will need to tread carefully if he is to avoid missing out on a key Premier League game.

Chelsea's domestic upcoming schedule includes matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Southampton and Tottenham.