Chelsea Hit By Injury Crisis Ahead Of Liverpool Clash, Arsenal Monitor Gabriel Magalhaes

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has admitted he could be without as many as eight first-team players when his side face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the Premier League.

The Blues are desperate to avoid a third straight league defeat, but their preparation has been hampered by injuries and suspensions. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Enzo Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer remains unavailable, while Trevoh Chalobah will miss out through suspension.

“Cole is still out. We have Trev [Chalobah] suspended,” the Italian said. “Seven or eight players out for tomorrow’s game.”

Palmer, who was forced off during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss at Manchester United, has now missed three consecutive matches. Asked for an update on his condition, Maresca admitted there was no clear timeline yet. “I don’t have any updates at the moment. We have a meeting this week,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided mixed news ahead of their London derby with West Ham. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who was withdrawn late in Wednesday’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over Olympiakos, remains a doubt.

“We’ll have to wait and see after training,” Arteta said. “We haven’t done anything today. I’m not too concerned about him.”

The Gunners will, however, have to wait for new signing Piero Hincapie, who is only expected to be available after the international break. “He will be available after the international break. We will do everything as fast as possible, but this one comes too quickly for him,” Arteta added.

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke remain sidelined, leaving Arsenal with their own fitness concerns going into the weekend.