Chelsea v Newcastle United - Premier League
Palmer in contention to start on Saturday (Picture: Getty)
Enzo Fernandez will miss Chelsea’s next two games starting with today’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Port Vale.
The Argentina international will not be considered for selection this evening or for next week’s Premier League clash with Manchester City after a series of comments that have plunged his future at the club into doubt.
Since the humbling Champions League exit at the hand of Paris Saint-Germain last month, Fernandez has spoken out in three separate interviews where he has invited interest from other clubs including Real Madrid.
On Friday, Liam Rosenior responded by handing the midfielder a two-match ban.
Marc Cucurella also spoke out on Chelsea’s woes during the international break, admitting it ‘would be difficult’ to turn down a move to Barcelona.
The Spain international has avoided any punishment for his remarks and is available to start on Saturday.
Chelsea have enjoyed a favourable cup run up against Charlton, Hull City and Wrexham so far, scoring 13 times against the Championship trio and now take on the side sat bottom of League One.
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Chelsea v Bournemouth - Premier League
Fernandez will sit out of the next two games (Picture: Getty)
Rosenior took the opportunity to rotate his side in those games and could see today as the perfect opportunity to bring Estevao Willain and Jamie Gittens back into the fold having recovered from hamstring injuries.
Reece James remains sidelined with a fresh hamstring injury while Trevoh Chalobah is still recovering from an ankle problem.
Levi Colwill returned to first-team training last month from the ACL injury he suffered in August with it hoped he can have some role to play in the final two months of the season.
Filip Jorgensen meanwhile is also still on the mend having undergone minor groin surgery.
Chelsea XI to face Port Vale – Metro prediction
Liam Delap has started the last two cup outings and could get the nod over Joao Pedro again.
Rosenior may choose to rest Moises Caicedo with Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo fit again and in need of minutes.
Chelsea vs Port Vale TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Chelsea vs Port Vale kicks off today (4 April) at 5:15pm.
You can watch the match live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.
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