Chelsea handed double injury blow as Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro miss Brighton clash

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Evening Standard

·21 April 2026

Chelsea handed double injury blow as Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro miss Brighton clash

Blues lose two stars ahead of crucial run of fixtures

Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have both been left out of Chelsea's squad for tonight's crucial league game against Brighton through injury.

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It is a major blow to the Blues, given they are seen as Liam Rosenior's two best attacking options.

Standard Sport has learned that it is a slight hamstring injury that keeps Palmer from being involved. He was expected to start if he had been fit.

The last time he did not feature for Chelsea in the Premier League was in January's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Explaining Palmer’s absence, Rosenior told Sky Sports: “Cole has had a bit of tightness in his hamstring that he's been carrying. He's out for this game and we'll see how he moves on for the FA Cup semi-final.”

Joao Pedro was on the grass in training on Monday and a late call was planned on Tuesday to determine whether he would feature against Brighton.

It comes after the Brazilian missed Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United due to a minor thigh injury.

There was originally some hope he could be back for the Brighton game but he has not recovered in time and so there is not even a place on the bench against his former team.

Asked if he could have risked Joao Pedro against his former club, Rosenior added: “No, not for this one. I think Joao will be good for Sunday, but this game is too close for him.”

Joao Pedro has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season, having joined the club from the Seagulls last summer for a £55million up-front fee and up to £5m in add-ons.

Liam Delap starts up front in Joao Pedro's absence, while Rosenior has switched Chelsea to a back three after not being able to call on Palmer in the No10 position.