Palmer started last weekend's fixture away to Manchester United, but was forced off midway through the first half due to the recurrence of a groin injury that kept him out of our victories over West Ham United and Fulham earlier in the campaign.

The Blues are in action three times – against Brighton, Benfica in the Champions League and then Liverpool – in the space of seven days before the international break, and Maresca says the plan is for Palmer to sit out those fixtures.

He said: ‘We have decided to protect Cole a little bit, in terms of his injury not getting worse. So we decided to rest him for the next two or three weeks, probably until after the international break, to see whether, with rest, he can recover 100 per cent and be completely fit.

'It’s a matter of managing the pain in his groin. With the amount of games [we have played], it’s something that can happen, so that is the reason why we are trying to be conservative with him to give him rest. Hopefully, he can be 100 per cent fit after the international break.’

Maresca confirmed at his pre-match press conference that the Blues will also be without defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana for the visit of Brighton. Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are also long-term absentees.

‘We have Tosin injured,' the Blues head coach said. 'He will probably be out until the international break as he has a small problem with his calf.

'Wes Fofana suffered a concussion the other day against Lincoln [and will miss the Brighton game].'

While Maresca will be without a handful of players, he may have the opportunity to welcome two back into his matchday squad.

Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia have yet to feature for Chelsea this season due to injuries sustained during our triumphant FIFA Club World Cup campaign, but the Italian says that both are closing in on a return to action and will be assessed prior to Brighton's visit.

He explained: ‘Romeo and Benoit are better, we will see if they can join us tomorrow. Otherwise, it will be for the next game.’

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