Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says he will know if he can use defender Benoit Badiashile at Selhurst by tomorrow after the defender complained about his groin. The 22-year-old was forced off late in the game against Unai Emery's Aston Villa in midweek.
"Groin. Yes, I hope it's not a big issue. We need to assess now and after we will know better, his situation," Pochettino told reporters ahead of the game on Monday night.
They will also welcome back Trevoh Chalobah, who is back in training after suffering a second recurrence of a hamstring injury he first sustained in August.
“Levi Colwill, we need to wait until Sunday to see if it’s possible he’ll be available," Pochettino added.
But Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Romeo Lavia who has played only 32 minutes of football since signing for the club in the summer will all miss the game at Palace. The Eagles also have their own fitness issues as they will be missing the trio of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi.
Chelsea won the corresponding fixture 2-1 and will feel this is another perfect opportunity to build momentum and jump back into the top half of the Premier League table.
Pochettino deployed an intense 4-3-3 at Villa Park in midweek but the likely introduction of 39-year-old Thiago Silva will mean he'll have to tweak his system in south London.
Here is the team we anticipate the Chelsea boss will name:
1. Djordje Petrovic
He's played so well since he's come in for the injured Sanchez.
2. Ben Chilwell
Played very well and looked fit At Villa.
3. Malo Gusto
He's got everything it takes to be an outstanding full back.
4. Axel Disasi
Axel keeps getting better and better by the day.