Chelsea focus on Palmer withdrawal and midfield uncertainty
Cole Palmer's withdrawal from England with a minor issue could help Chelsea manage his fitness, protect him from another setback and aid their season.
Carlton Cole backed Chelsea striker Joao Pedro to hit 'high double figures', praising his importance to Xabi Alonso's side after 20 goals last season and 3 already this term.
Chelsea forward Estevao said he is focused on training and taking his chances under Xabi Alonso despite no Premier League starts and only 27 minutes off the bench so far.
Chelsea are again monitoring Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey after his hat-trick in a 5-3 defeat by Manchester City, with Xabi Alonso having considered him in the summer. Livescore
Chelsea are among several top clubs tracking FC Copenhagen midfielder Ilyas Houira, 15, with Dortmund, Manchester City, Arsenal, Ajax and Barcelona also monitoring him.
Chelsea's xG stands at 7.3, well below mid-table, suggesting their attackers are masking wider issues as Xabi Alonso's side also lead the league in goals conceded.
Chelsea are reportedly the leading English option for 15-year-old JJ Gabriel after he asked to leave Manchester United, though Real Madrid and Barcelona are keen.
Chelsea's hopes of signing Marc Bernal have suffered a blow, with Barcelona set to tie him to a new deal until 2031 and keep his €500m release clause.
Naomi Girma is still waiting for her first WSL appearance for Chelsea, remaining an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Birmingham despite starting in Europe.
Cole Palmer withdrew from England duty after playing 90 minutes in Chelsea's 3-0 loss at Brentford, prompting talkSPORT broadcaster Adrian Durham to question his commitment and demand clarity.
Marco Palestra has missed Chelsea's first seven matches with a quadriceps injury and is now targeting a return after the international break against Bournemouth.
Chelsea are expected to return for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, but Liverpool are also monitoring him as Alexis Mac Allister's contract uncertainty fuels a potential race.
Former Chelsea midfielder Denis Zakaria said he advised Lamine Camara to stay at Monaco, after the Blues' late summer move for the midfielder collapsed.
Chelsea’s defensive problems remain unresolved under Xabi Alonso, with injuries and new signings’ adjustment seen as weak excuses for a crisis that has lasted several seasons.
A ranking of Chelsea's 10 summer signings puts Morgan Rogers top after three goals and four assists, while injuries have delayed Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha.
Brentford defender Michael Kayode said he discovered his first Italy call-up after the 3-0 win over Chelsea and confirmed Nigeria had approached him before he chose Italy.
Manchester City are interested in Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong after Enzo Fernandez's move, but the Blues view the academy product as one of their 'untouchables'.
John Terry said Jordan Henderson 'controlled the midfield fairly well' on his Chelsea debut, despite Friday's 3-0 defeat to former club Brentford.
Pedro Neto drew criticism for struggling at right wing-back, with his reluctance to use his right foot and poor tracking back highlighted after Chelsea's latest defeat.
Chelsea's late move for Manu Kone failed after Roma raised their demands. The midfielder is now being described as a €100m player, leaving Xabi Alonso short after Enzo Fernandez's exit.
Chelsea are monitoring Strasbourg loanee Conrad Harder via their BlueCo link, with the Danish striker emerging as a possible future option amid rival interest.
