Chelsea could soon find themselves in a scenario where star man Cole Palmer is unavailable for selection.
The Blues are currently preparing for their return to Premier League action this weekend when they head to face table-topping Liverpool at Anfield. Palmer has been in fine form in his second season for Chelsea, scoring six goals with five assists in the Premier League, including all four in a 4-2 win over Brighton last month.
However, the England international has already amassed three yellow cards across the first seven matches of the campaign. As a result, Palmer is moving closer to being handed a suspension in the top-flight for Chelsea.
Should Palmer receive five yellow cards, he will be handed a one-game ban in the Premier League. Barring any red cards or injuries, Palmer will be available for the upcoming top-flight fixtures against Liverpool and Newcastle over the next couple of weeks, which are set to be important ones.
If Palmer was to pick up yellow cards in both of these games, then he could miss the Carabao Cup fourth round clash against Newcastle later this month. After that, the Blues will then travel to meet Manchester United in the Premier League, which could be a game that Palmer misses – if he gets two more bookings across the next three fixtures while walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Chelsea then have Premier League matches against Arsenal and Leicester City before the end of November, and they might see Palmer suspended depending on whether or not he picks up more yellow cards. Enzo Maresca is already being forced to deal with two members of his regular line up being on the side-lines serving a suspension for yellow cards.
Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella will both miss the trip to Liverpool.
