Chelsea news

Former Chelsea favourite David Luiz made an emotional return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, despite injury ruling him out of the Champions League clash. The Brazilian star used the trip to reconnect with old friends, handing over touching gifts to a current Blues defender and a legendary staff member who served the club for nearly 56 years before retiring in 2024.

Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly has issued a stark warning to his former club, suggesting that talisman Cole Palmer could sensationally hand in a transfer request if he does not believe the Blues can win the Premier League within the next two seasons. The French World Cup winner has urged the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to establish a stable system built specifically around the England international, while simultaneously calling on Palmer to show "respect" and "humility" to the club's new management.

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has explained why Cole Palmer played no part in the Blues’ Champions League win over Pafos. The England international was left out of the matchday squad as the Premier League heavyweights returned to European action at Stamford Bridge. It has been revealed that the talented playmaker was an injury concern, leading to no risks being taken on his fitness.

Pafos manager Albert Celades was left baffled during his post-match press conference at Stamford Bridge after being asked to comment on the ongoing family feud involving his former team-mate David Beckham. Following his side's narrow 1-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, the Spaniard was blindsided by a question regarding the "saga" between the Manchester United legend and his son, Brooklyn.

Chelsea are on the verge of completing their first signing under new manager Liam Rosenior, with the Blues set to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to the signature of teenage sensation Yisa Alao. The 17-year-old Sheffield Wednesday defender has reportedly opted for Stamford Bridge despite heavy interest from Old Trafford, with a structured deal worth potentially over £1 million now close to being finalised between the two clubs.

Moises Caicedo stepped up to keep Chelsea's hopes of earning an automatic place in the Champions League's last 16 alive as they battled to a 1-0 win over Pafos on Wednesday. The Blues dominated throughout in west London but struggled to find a way past goalkeeper Jay Gorter before Caicedo eventually broke the deadlock with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Cole Palmer has been left out of the Chelsea squad to face Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with head coach Liam Rosenior explaining why the Blues will have to cope without their talisman at Stamford Bridge. The Blues come into the match in 14th place in the standings but know that a victory will see them firmly in the battle to finish in the top eight.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly told Crystal Palace he wants to leave Selhurst Park as the France striker believes the club do not match his ambitions. He is angry that promises regarding player recruitment and terms in a potential new contract have not been kept. It is believed the 28-year-old wants regular European football, and that he was recently the subject of an offer from Juventus.

Chelsea backed away from a potential deal for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, allowing Manchester City to swoop in for the Crystal Palace and England defender in a deal worth an initial £20 million. The Blues have been hunting for a new centre-back to bolster their backline but opted against re-signing the 25-year-old due to several concerns.

Cole Palmer's future at Chelsea is under scrutiny amid speculation he does not really enjoy life in London and could be tempted to head back to former club Manchester City in the summer transfer window. Pep Guardiola has been tipped to part company with the Cityzens at the end of the season, potentially paving way for Palmer to make a shock return to the Etihad.

Diego Costa has hit out at former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, claiming "nobody liked" the current Napoli boss when he was in charge at Stamford Bridge. Former Spain international Costa spent three seasons with the Blues, the last of which came in 2016-17 when they won the Premier League title under the fiery Italian. However, the pair fell out and Costa was soon sent back to previous club Atletico Madrid.

Liam Rosenior has offered a shock lifeline to Axel Disasi, welcoming the defender back into first-team training after a year in the wilderness. The move comes as Chelsea suffer a significant defensive blow with Tosin Adarabioyo ruled out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. However, there is no such reprieve for Raheem Sterling, who remains exiled from the main group as the club frantically seek a permanent exit before the January transfer window shuts.

How to watch the Champions League match between Chelsea and Pafos FC, as well as kick-off time and team news.