Overview

• Cole Palmer has been ruled out of Chelsea’s next three matches with a groin issue, and Jose Mourinho said he was happy not to face the “phenomenal” playmaker.
• Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos picked up knocks against Brighton and will undergo late assessments to determine availability.
• Maresca said there is no reason to be negative or panic, highlighted that four of Chelsea’s last five defeats came with 10 men, and admitted he could have managed recent red-card situations better.
• Chelsea have lost three of their last four in all competitions and opened their Champions League campaign with defeat to Bayern Munich, leaving them seeking their first group-stage points against Benfica.
• Club officials are reported to have reaffirmed support for Maresca with no immediate change planned, though external voices caution that pressure could intensify if results do not improve.