Why Cole Palmer is absent for Chelsea vs Brighton

Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has been ruled out of the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion tonight with a minor hamstring problem, as per manager Liam Rosenior.

The Blues have been on a dreadful run in the league and have suffered four losses on the bounce. They face Brighton on the road tonight and desperately need to return to winning ways to stay in the Champions League race. The club are currently seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool with just five matches left.

Ahead of the game, Rosenior confirmed that Palmer could not make the clash due to a minor hamstring injury. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit for the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United this weekend.

Joao Pedro has likewise been ruled out for the second game running due to a thigh issue. Tonight's game came too soon for the Brazilian, but he is expected to return for the FA Cup Wembley showdown against Leeds.