Reece James is expected to be rested for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie
Chelsea Football Newsletter
However, manager Enzo Maresca is following the advice of the club’s medical staff and said in Monday’s press conference that Palmer cannot yet play twice in three days as he eases his way back from a persistent groin injury.
Palmer’s absence will be one of a number of changes Maresca makes to his team for his side’s trip to Wales to face the League One leaders.
Moises Caicedo is back available following a three-game domestic suspension for his red card against Arsenal.
But Maresca may opt to select some of his squad players so could opt to save Caicedo for the weekend’s league game at Newcastle, which is Chelsea’s final match before Christmas.
There could be a rare appearance for Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton, who has not played since a 20-minute cameo in the Champions League draw with Qarabag over a month ago.
Facundo Buonanotte scored in Chelsea’s third round win over Lincoln
Jorrel Hato, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George are all short of minutes of late so may appear. Marc Guiu is an option to start up front, while goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen could deputise if Robert Sanchez is rested for Newcastle.
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Chelsea remain without Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are sidelined with injuries so, like Palmer, will not be involved.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Tosin, Badiashile, Hato; Santos, Gusto; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Guiu
Out: Palmer
Injured: Delap, Essugo, Lavia, Colwill
Date and time: 8pm GMT today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff