Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea midfielder Omari Kellyman is open to a loan move in January.

Kellyman, 19, has not played a minute in Enzo Maresca's senior team since arriving in an £19m move from Aston Villa in the summer.

But, after an injury-hit start to his Chelsea career, the England Under-19 international is weighing up his loan options, particularly within the Championship, as he nears his return.

The England Under-20 international is close to returning from a hamstring injury sustained in September.

He hopes to add to his two previous under-21s appearances against either Newcastle or Bournemouth in matches before the January transfer window opens.

Kellyman made six senior appearances for Villa before his summer move.

The likes of Ben Chilwell, Deivid Washington and Harvey Vale could also leave Stamford Bridge in January.

BBC Sport, with the help of data from website Premier Injuries, external, has taken a look at which side has suffered most from injuries this season.

Fabian Hurzeler has had a tough start in English football from an injury perspective - although his side sitting seventh in the Premier League table suggests he is more than capable of coping with it.

West Ham fans may be even more frustrated about their season when they learn that they have had the least amount of injury setbacks in the top flight.

Comparing the injury situation now with the same stage last season, the overall numbers are actually down, according to Ben Dinnery of Premier Injuries Ltd.

"Year on year, there has been about a 20% reduction in the number of injury incidents and about a 30% reduction in the 'burden' on clubs - the amount of days missed by injured players," he said.

His data is calculated from the opening day of the season, so players who were already injured going into the campaign - such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries to Brentford's Rico Henry, Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings and Brighton's Solly March - do not count.

"Perhaps the narrative [of an increase in injuries] is driven by some high-profile managers and the prominence of major injuries to higher-status players, such as Manchester City's Rodri," Dinnery added.

"The injury narrative is not being pushed by Kieran McKenna at Ipswich or Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler.

"They are not using their sidelined players as excuses, even though Ipswich have lost some huge players as they try to adapt to the intensity and rigours of Premier League football.

"Brighton didn't have a great record last year, but had European football to contend with. The headline numbers are one thing, but football is a contact sport. Perhaps it is testament to their recruitment of a squad with strength and depth that they are still doing well despite the number of injuries."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have added youngsters Josh Acheampong, Ato Ampah, Harrison McMahon, Kaiden Wilson, Richard Olise (brother of Michael), and Harrison Murray-Campbell to their Conference League squad to play Astana in Kazakhstan.

Tyrique George, Kiano Dyer, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Shim Mheuka were already included.

It is part of an effort from Chelsea to manage their workload.

Enzo Maresca's squad face an eight-hour flight, and will play Thursday's tie in a time zone that is five hours ahead and at temperatures that are forecasted to be as low as minus 11.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi hopes they can continue their strong form in Europe and in Premier League throughout the season, but says the players are not yet thinking about winning trophies.

"We all know it's going to be a tough season with a lot of games," he said. "We have quality in the team and we can say we are first in the Conference League and second in the Premier League so hopefully we can continue like that.

"At this moment, we don't think like that [winning trophies]. We just keep going our way, which is perform well, play well and win games. We want to keep this feeling.

"We work hard and we have to stay humble. We'll see how it goes."

Disasi, who will start for Enzo Maresca's side against Astana on Thursday, also had this message for the fans travelling to Kazakhstan amid potential -11 degrees Celsius temperatures,

"We appreciate this because it's a long old flight and the temperature is crazy," he said. "Again, they show the love they have for us and as a player it's a pleasure to feel this. Just thank you.

"We all know the conditions of these games. We just have to be ready, put two pairs of gloves on and compete in the game because we have to fight and keep our first place."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Conference League game in Kazakhstan against Astana (kick-off 15:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He confirmed "17 young players" will travel to Kazakhstan and the rest will remain training at Cobham ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Brentford.

• Defender Josh Acheampong "is in the squad and is probably going to play from the start," with Maresca adding an agreement on his future is "close" to being finalised.

• On the trip to Central Asia: "Eight hours [flight] is not a normal time for a game, but we have to play and we will try to do our best." He also confirmed that they will stick to English time to help them manage the time difference.

• He said the biggest concern is the flight back as they land at 06:00 GMT on Friday and have a quick turnaround before Sunday's game.

• He had a special message for the travelling Chelsea supporters: "We always appreciate fans and the people that come with us, but now even more so because of the amount of hours and the temperature it will be."

• Maresca joked and said he "will be taking many layers" as temperatures could be as cold as -11 degrees Celsius.

• After Pedro Neto's yellow card against Tottenham meant he will be suspended for the game with Brentford, Maresca confirmed Noni Madueke will not travel to Kazakhstan. The England winger will likely replace Neto against the Bees.

• On Neto's yellow card: "The yellow was a normal yellow card. The problem is when we receive pointless ones, but it was the right moment for the foul."

• Maresca said Cole Palmer "absolutely" has the potential to be world class, but "can still do many things better and improve."

• On whether he considers Chelsea favourites to win the Conference League: "No. The main target is to go to the group stage and then on and on. I don't like to think about anything more. It is not about ambitions. I am ambitious - the players and the club all are - but in my opinion, if you think too far ahead, you can lose your focus on the now."

Follow all of Wednesday's football news

Chelsea will not consider letting 27-year-old English centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo leave on loan in January amid reported interest from West Ham. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on what is the one thing about Chelsea - good or bad - that nobody is talking about?

Here are some of your comments:

Nicholas: How successful Chelsea's strategy has been, even in its early stages. By assembling a squad of talented young players - essentially a team of 'kids' - Chelsea are allowing them to grow, develop and build chemistry as a cohesive unit. The results are already becoming evident. Imagine two to three years down the line, when these players are approaching their prime at 25-years-old and have played together for over four years. This strategy has the potential to set Chelsea up for total domination in British football. The credit must go to the club's leadership.

Eoin: To be big or not to be big? That is the question. Could Chelsea have got this right in terms of their squad size?

David: We have some incredible talent coming in this summer, including Paez, Estevao and Santos (back from loan). These are top young players who should be in our first team, but how are we going to get them to fit in this squad? I also really want to see the same level of scouting for defenders.

Chris: Enzo Fernandez's goal against Tottenham. It was a spinning ball from the right, perfectly volleyed just inside the post, by a player not known for his shooting ability.

Adenaike: The situation with the defence has to be addressed. We concede too many goals and that could really impact our title race, especially if we meet a team that can stop us from recovering at the back.

Garry: It has been and still is the issue around our goalkeepers. None of them are up to the standard of our previous number ones if you look at the number of clean sheets they have kept and the number of times they have won the Golden Glove! Our present group are nowhere near good enough and they will continue to be our weak link, costing us matches!

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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While Manchester City and Arsenal slipped up, Chelsea bagged 12 Premier League goals in a week to ease into second place and top the division's scoring charts.

‌Few people are now brave enough to say that Chelsea cannot win the league this season. Even fewer however are willing to stick their necks out and say, "they will win the league".

‌For all the youth and verve, the genius of Cole Palmer, the multitude of chances created each week, the goals scored and even the very-winnable run ahead, there are still doubts.

‌Chelsea may be able to rest every EPL starter by sending out an entirely different squad for the European trip to play Astana on Thursday, but they are yet to convince the pundits domestically. Why?

‌Put simply, there are still weaknesses and these tend to be found out at the top level. The central defensive partnership, whoever they use, isn't close to the level that Arsenal and Liverpool have and you could say the same about the goalkeeper.

‌I just wonder if Jarrad Branthwaite could be prised from my beloved Everton, would this be close to the final piece of the jigsaw?

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Will Faulks
Fan writer

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By the time Chelsea kicked off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, the scene was set: Liverpool's game had been postponed and Arsenal had dropped points at Fulham.

Everything was lined up for Enzo Maresca's team - a win would put them four points off the leaders, clear into second place, two points ahead of the Gunners in third.

Yet within 10 minutes, it felt like the hubris of just doing those calculations had been immediately punished. Chelsea had conceded two, they were playing away in a stadium that was delighted with the early lead and hungry to see a total collapse from the visiting side.

Instead, by full-time it was Tottenham who were humiliated, the sight of big Fraser Forster flopping heavily to one side as Cole Palmer's icy 'Panenka' penalty flitted lazily past him into the middle of the net a perfect visual metaphor for the calm with which Chelsea turned a stressful situation into a Sunday stroll.

The mental fortitude needed to soak up the bad fortune of two goals conceded from individual errors without being overwhelmed by frustration or self-pity was truly impressive.

Indeed, it was perhaps the most notable difference between the team playing on Sunday and those that came before it.

Maresca deserves a lot of credit for his squad management and the tactical side of his work, but the improvements to the belief and character in this group in sticky situations is something that should also be appreciated.

Last season and the season before, those two soft Tottenham goals would likely have been followed by two more, and probably a flurry of yellow cards and a sending off for a frustrated Chelsea.

Instead, inspired by Palmer and under Maresca's calming influence, the team showed just how far they've come.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

With debates doing the rounds on whether Chelsea are in the title race or not and Cole Palmer setting records this season, it's not a bad time to be a blue!

As you know Chelsea best, what is the one thing - good or bad - that no one is talking about?

Have your say here

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

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From the penalty spot - in the Premier League - when it's Cole, it's a goal.

Cole Palmer has taken 12 penalties, scored 12 times, and now holds the longest 100% conversion record in the competition.

Image source, Getty Images

For context, Opta sets the expected goals [xG] of a penalty at 0.79 - meaning by their calculations a spot-kick is scored 79% of the time.

The xG then of Palmer's 12 penalties is 9.48 so the England international has overperformed by an xG of 2.52.

Squabbles over who should step up for Chelsea happened on more than one occasion last season, but there is no doubt who the main man is now, as supported by the numbers.

Image source, Getty Images

What strikes you when watching is the assurance with which each is despatched.

Whether it is a 'Panenka' - the blueprint for his second strike against Tottenham on Sunday - at home to Burnley [seen above] or a last minute kick to equalise against Manchester City [seen above] smashed into the top left corner, the composure remains the same.

In fact, only once has a goalkeeper even got any semblance of a touch to one - Guglielmo Vicario onto the post for Spurs in the same fixture last season.

Onto the post and into the back of the net of course.

Image source, Getty Images

Of Palmer's 12 Premier League penalties, he has hit six into the bottom-right corner, three into the bottom left, one into the top left and dinked two straight down the middle.

All precisely where he has wanted them to end up, nothing left to chance.

The graphic below shows his past five penalties, including one for England in the Euro 2024 shootout against Switzerland. All calmly taken, all directed in different areas of the goal.

All scored.

The coolness the 22-year-old exhibits from 12 yards is a mirror image of his off-field persona.

On his first penalty against Spurs he told Chelsea's media team: "I just tried to score and I did."

On his impudent second, he said: "When I put the ball down and stepped back, I knew I was going to do it."

Roll on the next spotkick.

Image source, Getty Images

Cole Palmer "personifies" the beautiful game and Chelsea are starting to show "they could be as good as anybody", says former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly.

Blues forward Palmer was once again pivotal for Chelsea as they came back from two goals down to beat Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

His two penalties - including a 'Panenka' - took him to 50 goal involvements for the west London side in just 48 games.

The win also means that Chelsea now sit second in the Premier League table, four points behind Liverpool and two above Arsenal, but boss Enzo Maresca still does not believe they are contenders for the title.

"When you hear the words 'beautiful game', Cole Palmer personifies that," Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"It is a perfect fitting for him the way he plays it, the way he strolls around the pitch. It is so lovely to watch.

"He [Enzo Maresca] does not want to hunk the pressure on the team. Even though they have spent a fortune over the past couple of years, Chelsea have been such a mess that you don't want to commit to something.

"But the consistency levels are starting to go up and it's not just Palmer's performance, Maresca has found a group of players who are starting to perform regularly. He has found a system and he has found the players he wants.

"He was really harsh at the start of the season with the players he didn't want but that is what he needed to be to cull the squad and get them to a level that, squad-wise, with the depth they have they could be as good as anybody and now they are starting to show that."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Chelsea are showing there was "a method to their madness", with Enzo Maresca's side currently sitting second in the table and having scored the most goals so far this season.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Sutton said: "While we were all putting the boot in, Chelsea knew what they were doing.

"But, in many respects, has what has happened in the past couple of seasons been that different to the Roman Abramovich era? It's just that Abramovich was bringing in players who had already been there and done it.

"The difference is that Chelsea are now bringing in younger players to develop.

"They seem to be a team who are young and pretty fearless - so good on Enzo Maresca and good on Chelsea."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Playmaker Cole Palmer is drawing attention from Real Madrid because of his consistent performances at Chelsea. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Meanwhile, the Blues will send midfielder Omari Kellyman out on loan in January to help the 19-year-old gain some senior experience. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have made a host of special arrangements to handle the more than 6,000km trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday.

The Conference League draw gave Chelsea an away trip to Astana, which has served as a significant logistical challenge for the club to organise.

Astana is the capital in central Kazakhstan but the match will be played in Almaty, 1,200 km away, in the south of the country, amid renovations to the club's home stadium.

Chelsea have been given dispensation from Uefa to hold an early press conference and training session in Surrey, instead of the usual pre-match preview events typically hosted in the home country, to help manage their travel plans.

They will then travel to Almaty by a direct charterer eight-hour flight - as is often the case for matches away in Europe - while avoiding a direct flight path over Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East, amid multiple ongoing conflicts.

When in Kazakhstan, Chelsea's players will avoid adapting to the Kazakhstan time zone, which is five hours ahead of the UK, effectively meaning they will treat the 8.30pm local kick-off as a 3.30pm kick-off time.

Manager Enzo Maresca also gave his squad the day off on Monday and will likely ring the changes again after the 4-2 win at Tottenham on Sunday.

The Italian has made between seven and 11 changes for almost every match week of the season as he uses his extensive squad.

In addition, several academy players will potentially get an opportunity for a match played in freezing temperatures between -6 and -11 degrees on Thursday.

Cole Palmer is among the players not selected to play in the competition but could be among the additions in February for the knockout rounds.

"I don't know [if I'll be on the plane]," said defender Benoit Badiashile. "You have to ask the boss. It's far, far away."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Allan asked: Having watched Cole Palmer deliver yet another fine performance yesterday, and what a superb footballer he is, I just wondered if it is known whether Manchester City inserted a 'buy-back clause' when he was sold to Chelsea?

Phil answered: Hi Allan, there is no "buy-back clause" in the deal, but at the time it was reported by the BBC that Manchester City could get a further £2.5m in add-ons on top of the £40m fee.

Just imagine how much Palmer is worth now?

What is becoming clear is that Manchester City have done Chelsea a huge favour by selling them a young player who has taken the Premier League by storm.

Pep Guardiola will be criticised, of course, for parting with such a talent, but in his defence he said of the deal at the time that he asked Palmer to stay after Riyad Mahrez left, but he still wanted to leave.

With the benefit of hindsight, and City's need to refresh their squad, Guardiola may now wish he had stood firm and told Palmer to bide his time for regular first-team football.

Image source, Getty Images

Cole Palmer should "remain exactly as he is" as he continues to go from strength to strength at Chelsea, says BBC Radio 5 Live chief football correspondent John Murray.

The 22-year-old forward was coolness personified as he tucked away a 'Panenka' penalty at 3-2 in a frantic game against Tottenham on Sunday.

Along with being calm on the pitch, his demeanour in post-match interviews remains just as relaxed when answering questions on his performances.

"Cole Palmer appears to have it all in whatever aspect of his life you look at," Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"He has that 2020s everyman appeal. A man, in public at least, of few words, who looks like he'd rather be in a hoodie and trackie bottoms than in the spotlight. Apart from on the pitch that is, when he appears oblivious to the many millions who are hanging on his every delightful touch.

"Enzo Maresca said last night that since he's been at Chelsea he has not seen Palmer practising penalties, yet he's scored all 12 he's taken in the Premier League, culminating in that nerveless 'Panenka' spot-kick that turned out to be the eventual match-winner.

"Long may Cole Palmer remain exactly as he is."

With the result leaving Chelsea in second place in the Premier League, Murray believes that Maresca's "clear' thinking is getting them where they need to be.

"After two and a half years under this current ownership, and well in excess of a billion pounds spent on new players, when at times Chelsea have looked almost like a basket-case, it finally looks like they are going places," Murray added.

"Remember how they finished 12th and sixth in the first two seasons?

"Mauricio Pochettino eventually got the ship pointing in the right direction in his final months as manager but Enzo Maresca has shown himself to be a clear thinker who has very obviously seen the wood from the trees."

Image source, Getty Images

Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Michael, Barnet: Hi Phil, In your opinion, should Moises Caceido have been sent off for his tackle in the first half? Personally, I can't see any mitigation for that tackle not being a clear red, and I find the decision to let it go utterly baffling.

Phil: Hello, Michael. Totally agree with you. It looked like a clear red to me and I was astonished no action was taken.

What is "excessive force" anyway? Caicedo was late, over the top and clearly could have hurt Pape Sarr. Shame as Caicedo is a wonderful player.

For balance, however, I also thought Dejan Kulusevski was lucky to escape an elbow on Romeo Lavia. What was his elbow doing up near Lavia's head in that challenge?

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Chelsea moved clear in second place in the Premier League table with Sunday's dramatic 4-3 comeback win at rivals Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Dean: Chelsea played like title contenders today. That's how title contenders play - they forget about mistakes made in the game, pick their heads up, and make it right.

Agu: Aside from the first 15 minutes, Chelsea were superb. They stuck to the plan. It was a huge statement win.

Nick: A great Chelsea comeback, helped by the standard Spurs implosion. After gifting Spurs two early goals it was very much in the Christmas spirit for them to hand us two gifts in return. But Chelsea will struggle to stay in the top four if we continue to ship so many goals. Not every team will be as generous as our North London neighbours.

Kevin: Chelsea showed guts, character and class. In Cole Palmer we have the best player in the league. 12 out of 12 penalties beating Toure's 11. Enzo's changes at half time were very good - I wasn't sure about him but I'm happy he's proving me wrong.

Doug: Chelsea have character this season. They didn't panic going 2-0 down early in the game and let their football do the talking. Enzo is bringing out the best in the team, though he's got to sort out the goalkeeper situation. However, can't think of winning a title with a dodgy keeper.

Nigel: I've been disappointed in Enzo Fernandez. Not recently, he is at last beginning to show he might be worth some of his massive fee.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Cole Palmer's penalty success at Tottenham earned him a Premier League record.

He now holds the longest 100% conversion record in the competition after putting away his first 12 spot-kicks.

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure had a perfect record of 11 out of 11 penalties in the competition - reaching that mark almost 11 years ago to the day - but Palmer has gone one better.

It was typical of Palmer that he got there in virtuoso style, dinking the ball down the middle as goalkeeper Fraser Forster expected him to go for a corner.

If there was any pressure on the moment, Palmer clearly didn't feel it, living up to his 'Cold Palmer' nickname.

Image source, Getty Images

Football Daily pundits Nigel Reo-Coker and Ashley Williams both believe Chelsea are firmly in the Premier League title race after their comeback win over rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

With Liverpool's game at Everton postponed and Arsenal drawing at Fulham, the Blues consolidated in second, four points off the top albeit having played a game more than the Reds.

Despite their strong position, boss Enzo Maresca continued to play down talk of a title challenge.

"I think they're genuine contenders," former Everton defender Williams said.. "They can say whatever they want.

"They have gone under the radar until this week - and they would have been happy with that - but now a lot of people are looking at them after a big performance. They have been consistently good for a long time this season. Credit to Maresca who has been unbelievable. Chelsea are in the mix. They're that good and that consistent. They're as good as any team in the league right now."

With his team 2-1 down at half-time, Enzo Maresca substituted Romeo Lavia for Malo Gusto and moved Moises Caicedo back into central midfield which contributed to a dominant second-half performance.

"That's Maresca for you and that's why and his reputation is growing," added former West Ham midfielder Reo-Coker. "To be a top manager you have to make tough decisions and credit to him for making that decision at half-time and making those changes. It worked out well.

"Tactically, watching the game, he's willing to change and willing to adapt. On the opposite side you saw Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham - does he really adapt? No."

"Whether they like it or not that result lets everyone know they are in the Premier League title race regardless of what message they want to put out there."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Mark Chapman presents highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to Sunday's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Fulham 1-1 Arsenal

• Leicester City 2-2 Brighton

• Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea