Overview

• Enzo Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer will be rested for two to three weeks with a groin issue, ruling him out until after the October international break.
• Chelsea’s absences for Brighton include Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) and Wesley Fofana (concussion protocol), with Facundo Buonanotte ineligible to face his parent club and Levi Colwill and Dário Essugo still long-term outs.
• Robert Sánchez is available after serving a one-game ban, while Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile return to the bench as João Pedro starts up front and Enzo Fernández operates as No 10, according to the confirmed lineup.
• Liverpool manager Arne Slot said 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni tore his ACL and faces around a year out, and Hugo Ekitike is suspended for the league trip to Crystal Palace after his midweek red card.
• Slot indicated Alexander Isak will feature but is unlikely to complete 90 minutes, and the club is checking UEFA rules with Federico Chiesa likely to take Leoni’s Champions League squad spot.