Chelsea injury news as Enzo Maresca without two players for Noah clash amid Cole Palmer update

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has another opportunity to rest the bulk of his first-team squad this evening when they host Armenian side FC Noah in the UEFA Conference League.

The Blues sit top of the league in the European competition after beating Gent and Panathinaikos in October. This week's clash sees them take on Noah at Stamford Bridge in what should be a comfortable night's work.

After losing to Newcastle and drawing to Manchester United, Maresca's men will be desperate to return to winning ways ahead of Sunday afternoon's London derby with Arsenal. Fortunately, the Italian's squad selection for the competition means certain players will be rested.

Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia were all left out of the initial 25-man UEFA squad for the first stage of the tournament. Reece James, Nicolas Jackson, Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo were all left out of the 4-1 win in Greece and are likely to be carefully managed.

It means that Palmer will have extra time to recover after being on the receiving end of a late tackle from Lisandro Martinez at the weekend. The England international needed ice on his leg after the United defender scraped his studs down onto Palmer.

Jadon Sancho is the only other concern from the so-called 'A' team at Stamford Bridge. The winger has been suffering with illness and could return for Sunday.

READ MORE: Tyrique George starts, Jadon Sancho replaced, Axel Disasi decision - Predicted Chelsea XI vs Noah

READ MORE: 'The only thing I can do' - Chelsea star breaks silence on future amid January transfer links

The squad rotation expected this evening means academy starlets Shumaira Mheuka and Tyrique George could make further first-team appearances. Players like Benoit Badiashile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk are expected to retain their place.