thechelseachronicle.com

Barcelona handed major injury blow just days before Champions League clash with Chelsea

Chelsea will be looking to close the gap on the top eight in the Champions League group stages with the mouthwatering tie against Barcelona on Tuesday.

The Blues will welcome the Spanish champions to Stamford Bridge off the back of moving up to second in the Premier League following their 2-0 win against Burnley.

Chelsea have been working without Cole Palmer since the defeat to Manchester United, and the hopes that he would be fit for the huge Champions League tie are fading away.

Palmer is expected to miss the Barcelona tie, a huge blow for a side who have relied so heavily on the England international in big games since he joined the club.

Champions League trophy at Stamford Bridge

Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

Their opponents have been handed a fitness boost in the form of former Chelsea target Raphinha returning to action in recent games, however look as if they are going to be missing key midfielder Pedri for the clash.

According to AS, he is not set to travel to London for the game, however Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is set to be fit.

Pedri has missed the last three games in all competitions due to a hamstring problem, and will not have recovered in time to face Chelsea.

There is still going to be plenty of quality on display from their opponents, including some players they have previously been linked to in the transfer window.

Real Madrid CF v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Chelsea transfer targets get audition at Stamford Bridge

Fermin Lopez was strongly linked to Chelsea over the summer, however decided to stay with Barcelona.

The Spaniard has become far more of a regular in their first team this season, and is likely to be on display at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been linked to a number of Barcelona’s defenders, with Ronald Araujo a player they have held a long-term interest in.

The Blues should feel confident that they can pick up all three points at home, with the crowd likely to be on fire on Tuesday night.

Read full news in source page