Explained: Why in-form Chelsea ace Cole Palmer is missing from starting XI for Brighton clash

The 21-year-old winger was snapped up by the Blues during the summer transfer window when a £40 million ($51m) deal was put in place with Premier League rivals Manchester City. Palmer has settled quickly in west London – registering four goals, including a nerveless stoppage-time penalty against his former club.

The European U21 Championship winner has already made his senior international debut in 2023-24, with his obvious potential being noted by Gareth Southgate. Chelsea are, however, wary of asking too much from him in a first campaign as a regular starter in top-flight football.

As a result, Palmer was only named among the substitutes for a meeting with Brighton. Explaining that decision, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “He feels something during the week and we don't want to take a risk. We have too many games ahead, now we are going into a very busy period and we don't want to take a risk.”

Chelsea have midweek action in the Premier League to think about, as they prepare to head for Manchester United on Wednesday, while they will stay out on the road next weekend when travelling to Goodison Park for a meeting with Everton.