Chelsea vs Bournemouth LIVE!

Chelsea had Reece James to thank for avoiding a home defeat by Bournemouth on Tuesday night. The Blues captain came off the bench to score a stoppage-time free-kick to salvage a share of the spoils for Enzo Maresca’s side, who had led at the interval at Stamford Bridge thanks to Cole Palmer’s early goal but were then stunned by a Justin Kluivert penalty and Antoine Semenyo’s fine strike.

Though a very welcome scoring return to Premier League action for their injury-plagued skipper, Chelsea have now gone five top-flight matches in a row without a win as they once again spurned numerous great chances to put the game to bed and ended up paying the price, dropping yet more points to put their top-four place in jeopardy with Newcastle only two points behind and hosting relegation battlers Wolves on Wednesday night.

Once they have shaken off the disappointment of conceding a last-gasp equaliser, Bournemouth will be rightly proud of their efforts as they stayed seventh with another spirited performance and result that came despite a nightmare injury crisis that only got worse on the night. Maresca, meanwhile, was left fuming after Cherries winger David Brooks avoided a red card for dragging down Marc Cucurella. Follow Chelsea vs Bournemouth reaction live below!

Chelsea vs Bournemouth highlights

• GOAL! James equalises with stoppage-time free-kick

• GOAL! Semenyo thunders Bournemouth ahead

• GOAL! Kluivert penalty after Caicedo foul

• GOAL! Palmer fires Chelsea in front early

Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

21:32 , George Flood

Full-time

All square after a second-half thriller at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

21:31 , George Flood

98 mins: Chelsea have another last-gasp corner after Huijsen’s block, but they can’t make the most of it.

Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

21:29

97 mins: Neto is denied a chance to potentially win it for Chelsea on the counter before Bournemouth go up the other end and look to waste a little time.

They now look to be settling for a point with all the momentum with their opponents now.

GOAL! Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth | Reece James 95'

21:26 , George Flood

95 mins: The captain comes to Chelsea’s rescue at the death!

He steps up to arrow a low free-kick in off the post.

Stamford Bridge erupts. What a game!

Huge drama.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:25 , George Flood

94 mins: Jackson is brought down by Huijsen inside the box.

Chelsea want a penalty, but the whistle had gone for a foul by Christie on Felix outside the area.

No spot-kick, but this is in a really dangerous position for either Palmer or James...

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:24 , George Flood

92 mins: The impressive Kluivert is off target at one end before Travers saves from Felix at the other.

Shot also blocked from Cucurella.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:21 , George Flood

90 mins: EIGHT minutes of added time signalled.

Can Chelsea find that elusive late equaliser?

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:21 , George Flood

88 mins: A poor corner comes to nothing and Chelsea have to work hard to stop it turning into a productive Bournemouth counter-attack.

Time is fast running out for the Blues...

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:19 , George Flood

87 mins: Travers at full stretch to tip over Tosin’s header from a free-kick.

Chelsea corner...

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:18

85 mins: The Chelsea fans bay for a red card again after Huijsen drags down Jackson.

Again, it’s yellow only.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:16 , George Flood

84 mins: Cucurella is caught on the ball and Jebbison’s effort is deflected wide after a fine cut-back from Kluivert.

Bournemouth totally botch the resulting corner and Chelsea counter quickly, but Semenyo sprints back to block Palmer’s cross.

Travers collects.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:15 , George Flood

82 mins: Bournemouth send on Jebbison for Brooks, who isn’t a popular figure at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:14 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

It’s rare that Maresca makes a substitution that isn’t like for like. That Felix is on for Caicedo says plenty.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:13 , George Flood

80 mins: We should mention that Tosin did come on for Chelsea a little earlier, but for Acheampong rather than Colwill - who seems to have shaken off that knock.

Felix and Neto now replace Caicedo and Madueke.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:07 , George Flood

76 mins: Jackson is off balance as he produces a tame low shot that is easily held by Travers.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:07 , George Flood

74 mins: Sancho and Palmer are doing their best to drive Chelsea forward here as we approach the final 15 minutes.

The home crowd are also willing their side forward.

But Bournemouth’s defence are standing firm...

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:05

This won’t make Chelsea fans feel any better as the Premier League’s Match Centre explain why Brooks wasn’t sent off for that contact to the face of Cucurella...

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:02 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

An utterly remarkable turnaround. Chelsea were so comfortable in the first half. They’ve been all over the shop in the second.

Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth

21:02

69 mins: A fine sliding challenge from Huijsen inside the box denies Jackson the chance to restore quick parity for Chelsea.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-2 Bournemouth | Antoine Semenyo 68'

20:58 , George Flood

68 mins: The visitors have fought back to lead at Stamford Bridge!

Semenyo takes on Acheampong and thunders past Sanchez after being set up by Christie.

Maresca won’t believe this. Chelsea had been so dominant in that first half.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:57 , George Flood

65 mins: Bournemouth clear another Chelsea corner that followed Zabarnyi’s block on the tricky Madueke.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:57 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Colwill’s back on, but not moving well as he hobbles forward for a corner.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:56 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s centre-back problems are growing. Looks like Levi Colwill’s jarred his knee and Tosin is being readied.

Meanwhile, somewhere in south London, Oliver Glasner has probably just put his foot through the screen.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:55 , George Flood

63 mins: Colwill is down inside the Chelsea box and looks in some discomfort.

Maresca will not want any more injuries at centre-back - and neither will Crystal Palace for that matter as they look to keep hold of Trevoh Chalobah.

Tosin Adarabioyo is on the bench for Chelsea tonight.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:53 , George Flood

60 mins: This lively game is perfectly poised past the hour mark with chances at both ends.

Bournemouth force a corner on the far side and Brooks ends up forcing a save from the feet of Sanchez.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:50

57 mins: A heart-in-mouth moment for Travers there as he lets a Jackson strike squirm under him and watches in relief as the ball bobbles wide for a corner which Bournemouth can clear.

Good work from Fernandez to win another challenge to set up that chance.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:46 , George Flood

54 mins: Referee Robert Jones is told by VAR Graham Scott to consult the pitchside monitor and he eventually produces a yellow card only for Brooks, much to the home fans’ dismay.

Reece James now on for Chelsea, with Lavia off and Caicedo moving into midfield.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:45 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Reece James is straight out to warm up following that penalty, which came via a really clumsy challenge from Caicedo. Bit late now.

Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth

20:45 , George Flood

52 mins: All of a sudden Chelsea look rattled as Lavia is booked for bringing down Kluivert.

Now Brooks could be in hot water for grabbing the face of Cucurella as Chelsea looked to launch a quick break.

That didn’t look good. Revenge for the earlier challenge from the Spaniard?

GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Bournemouth | Justin Kluivert 50'

20:41

50 mins: Emphatic from the Dutchman as he blasts home with Sanchez going the wrong way.

All square at Stamford Bridge despite Chelsea’s dominance.

Maresca will be seething.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:40 , George Flood

49 mins: Penalty to Bournemouth!

Caicedo gets caught the wrong side of Semenyo and ends up barging over the Cherries frontman.

No doubt about that one. Kluivert to step up...

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:39 , George Flood

48 mins: Chelsea with an early chance to tee up Jackson in the box before they have to defend another free-kick after Fernandez’s foul on Christie.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:36 , George Flood

Back underway at Stamford Bridge, with no changes from either manager at the break.

Can Chelsea put this to bed without the need for any second-half drama?

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:31 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea well on top and should be out of sight.

Some great play from Jackson but a couple of big misses.

Chelsea have been burnt recently for not putting games to bed.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:24 , George Flood

Half-time

Chelsea a goal to the good at the break after Palmer’s 14th of the season in the Premier League that was brilliantly set up by Jackson, who has missed a fair few chances of his own since.

Both teams have hit the woodwork, with substitute Kluivert smacking the post in a rare bright moment for below-par Bournemouth.

Maresca will be keen for his largely dominant side to put this game to bed quickly after the interval.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:22 , George Flood

50 mins: Alert goalkeeping from Travers to come out and claim Zabarnyi’s somewhat iffy header back with Jackson lurking.

Chelsea had looked to counter quickly after clearing a Bournemouth free-kick into the box with stoppage time almost up.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:18 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have been good and Bournemouth haven’t really been at it yet but the one-goal lead will be stressing Maresca out.

We’ve seen Chelsea punished for not putting games to bed a few times over the last month.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:18

45 mins: There have been a few stoppages in this first half and we’ll have five minutes of added time.

Christie into the book for hauling down Lavia.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:15

44 mins: Another massive chance for Chelsea to double their lead before the interval!

Palmer’s deep cross from the right is headed down and on target by Jackson at the back post, but it’s a terrific low stop by Travers.

Jackson then lashes the rebound into the side netting.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:14 , George Flood

43 mins: Fine tracking back from Adams to dispossess the dangerous Madueke inside the Bournemouth box.

Bournemouth are having to withstand a huge amount of pressure here before half-time.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:12 , George Flood

41 mins: Chelsea have another corner after Sancho and Palmer link up nicely again.

Fernandez puts an in-swinging delivery from the left right on Travers, but Huijsen is there to help out his goalkeeper.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:10 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Referee Robert Jones has just accidentally tackled Cole Palmer.

Not being funny, but he was down getting treatment on his ankle a few minutes ago.

Can you imagine if he’d done it again there.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:10 , George Flood

39 mins: Chances galore now with half-time looming as Travers beats behind a teasing effort from outside the box from Palmer.

The England man is showing no ill effects from that earlier ankle knock so far.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:08 , George Flood

37 mins: Huge drama at the Bridge as Sanchez gives the ball away with a woeful pass and Kluivert sends a low shot against the post after Christie narrowly misses connecting with a diving header.

Chelsea then go straight down the other end and Jackson also ends up rattling the woodwork.

What a sequence of play to spark this game and crowd back into life.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:05 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Brilliant from Madueke and Jackson should really score.

But to be kind to the forward, it was a bit of a Zirkzee-Maguire moment in terms of the cut-back.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:05 , George Flood

35 mins: Fernandez now down for Chelsea after stooping for a header and taking a boot to the face from Semenyo.

No booking for the Bournemouth forward.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:04 , George Flood

33 mins: Big chance for Jackson to double Chelsea’s lead!

The Senegalese forward fires a bobbling low cross well over the crossbar from close range after excellent work from Madueke, who had beaten highly-rated young Bournemouth defender Huijsen all ends up.

That was a much tougher chance than it looked at first glance.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:03 , George Flood

31 mins: Bournemouth head behind one Chelsea corner at the front post before then scrambling clear another.

Jackson clips the heels of Christie and is shown a yellow card - his sixth of the season across all competitions.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:00 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

I was about to say that Sancho vs Lewis Cook, who has now gone to right-back, looks a bit of a mismatch but as I went to type it the Chelsea man nutmegged him right in front us.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

20:00 , George Flood

29 mins: Fernandez has been very impressive for Chelsea in this opening half an hour and wins another challenge before charging through and forcing a low save from Travers.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:57 , George Flood

26 mins: A round of applause and cheers for Palmer as he gets to his feet and makes his way to the sideline rather gingerly.

But he’s back on now and looks fine to carry on.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:56 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

A bizarre little passage of play there. Sanchez stood on the ball and for a good few seconds no one bothered pressing.

Then, suddenly, Bournemouth decided to send everyone on the rush and Chelsea very nearly got caught.

“My ankle, bro,” Cole Palmer then appears to say to the medical staff. Joao Felix is out warming up.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:56

25 mins: It looked like Palmer might have rolled his ankle there as Semenyo looked to fend off his sliding challenge.

He’s clearly in pain - not what Chelsea want to see. Nkunku and Joao Felix are both warming up.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:54 , George Flood

24 mins: Chelsea are cranking things up again here as Madueke’s low strike is blocked.

Sancho looks to find some space inside the box and a ball to the edge of the area to Palmer is just taken off his toes before he can pull the trigger.

Lewis Cook with a change of boots. Hang on, Palmer is down for Chelsea after tracking back with a challenge on Semenyo.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:53 , George Flood

22 mins: Bournemouth have now replaced Hill with Kluivert.

Presumably that will be Cook moving to right-back.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:52 , George Flood

20 mins: It’s Kluivert who will be coming on for Bournemouth shortly.

Chelsea work their way around a committed high press superbly and Sancho’s low effort inside the box is blocked by Zabarnyi.

His touch is then found wanting as the stylish Blues keep the pressure up.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:50 , George Flood

18 mins: Hill is struggling for Bournemouth here and keeps glancing to the bench with a replacement being readied.

Yet another injury blow for the Cherries.

Sanchez easily comes to claim an aimless free-kick to the back post.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:49 , George Flood

A 14th Premier League goal of the season for Cole Palmer.

He also has six assists...

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:48 , George Flood

15 mins: Bournemouth waste a corner from the left as they look to get back on level terms quickly in west London.

More danger for the Cherries as Lavia comes speeding through the middle, but his attempted through ball is blocked.

Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth

19:46

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Brilliant from Nicolas Jackson - and evidence of why even in a bit of a lean patch in front of goal, Enzo Maresca sees him as clear of Christopher Nkunku.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth | Cole Palmer 13'

19:43 , George Flood

13 mins: Chelsea’s iceman breaks the deadlock early!

It’s superb work from Jackson to battle with two Bournemouth players in midfield and surge forward before playing a perfect pass for Palmer, who sits down Travers with a lovely feint before slotting into the bottom corner.

Brilliant goal. Palmer is the first Chelsea player to reach 20 goal involvements in a single season since Eden Hazard 10 years ago.

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

19:42 , George Flood

12 mins: Bournemouth with a nice little spell of early possession now as they look to get a foothold.

Cucurella gives away a cheap free-kick with a needless push in the back on Brooks.

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

19:40 , George Flood

10 mins: Some solid defending inside his own box from Kerkez thwarts Chelsea, but they quickly come again as Palmer flicks an impudent and inventive chip wide of the back post after being teed up by Sancho.

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

19:39 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge

Cole Palmer, as he usually does here at Stamford Bridge, fancies this tonight...

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

19:37 , George Flood

6 mins: A foul on Fernandez offers Palmer the chance to test Travers with an early free-kick from a dangerous position.

His swerving effort lacks both power and precision, though, and is easily held by the Bournemouth ‘keeper.

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

19:36 , George Flood

4 mins: I think Brooks is just winded here after having his eyes focused on the ball and not looking when Cucurella cut across him to block off his run.

He’s back on his feet and looks okay to continue.

Bournemouth do not need any more injuries.

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

19:34 , George Flood

3 mins: Brooks has gone down for Bournemouth and is writhing in pain after an off-the-ball collision with Cucurella.

The travelling fans boo as they want the ball kicked out of play.

The Welsh international does eventually receive treatment.

Chelsea 0-0 Bournemouth

19:32 , George Flood

2 mins: An early opening for Chelsea after Fernandez battles to win back possession on the edge of the Bournemouth box.

Jackson feeds Palmer, who tries to tee up Fernandez but the Argentine’s touch is heavy and Travers gratefully collects.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth

19:30 , George Flood

Underway at Stamford Bridge!

Will Chelsea return to winning ways in the Premier League after their recent slump?

Only three points separate these sides in the table...

Chelsea vs Bournemouth

19:28 , George Flood

Here come the teams at Stamford Bridge!

Both sides in their respective familiar home strips tonight, so it’ll be blue against red and black.

As mentioned, Robert Jones is the referee with Graham Scott on VAR duty.

Bournemouth look for Antoine Semenyo to step up

19:21 , George Flood

A lot of focus on Antoine Semenyo tonight to try and pick up the scoring slack without Evanilson and with Enes Unal now lost for the season.

Justin Kluivert is actually Bournemouth’s top scorer so far this season with six, but he’s only on the bench.

The Cherries could also do with a few more from Dango Ouattara.

Iraola challenges Bournemouth not to let Chelsea off the hook again

19:12

Bournemouth could count themselves extremely unfortunate to have lost that initial fixture against Chelsea on the south coast back in September, with Andoni Iraola challenging them to step up their finishing at Stamford Bridge tonight.

"I think we played very well that day," said Iraola on Monday.

"I think we deserved probably much more.

“But it's going to be even more difficult because even playing well and doing a lot of good things we were not able to obtain any points.

"We will have to be better this time. We are playing away, it's a very, very good team.

"Every stat you check, they are playing very well, so it will need from us a very, very, very good performance and an improvement of our finishing from the past game."

Bournemouth and Chelsea set Premier League record for yellow cards

19:03

Referee Robert Jones and VAR Graham Scott could have their work cut out for them tonight, if the last meeting between these two clubs was anything to go by.

Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium back in September saw a Premier League record 14 yellow cards dished out by Anthony Taylor - eight to Chelsea and six to the hosts.

Both clubs were fined £25,000, with the Blues later becoming the first club in Premier League history to have six or more players booked on more than one occasion in the same season.

Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to net a late winner for Chelsea that day after being teed up by Jadon Sancho, with Robert Sanchez saving an Evanilson penalty and Bournemouth twice hitting the woodwork through Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Christie.

No Axel Disasi in Chelsea squad amid transfer links

18:54

Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Malik Ouzia is in position to reflect on that team news and preview tonight’s clash at Stamford Bridge.

As he points out, there is no Axel Disasi at all in the Blues’ squad this evening.

It looks like the French defender is also surplus to requirements under Enzo Maresca, having been linked with the likes of Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.

No Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei or Ben Chilwell again either, but we already knew they wouldn’t be involved as they look to secure exits this month.

Brooks and Adams drafted in by injury-hit Bournemouth

18:42

Mark Travers replaces Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal for Bournemouth, with the latter unable to face his parent club.

There are two changes from their last Premier League fixture, a 1-0 win over Everton on January 4, with Justin Kluivert and the injured Evanilson replaced by David Brooks and Tyler Adams.

It’s a light-looking bench for the Cherries amid all their injury problems.

Lavia and Madueke start for Chelsea with James on bench

18:33 , George Flood

Romeo Lavia is the only player to retain his starting berth for Chelsea from the 4-0 home drubbing of fourth-tier strugglers Morecambe in the FA Cup third round on Saturday that teed up an all-Premier League showdown at Brighton next.

It’s his first league appearance for more than a month after injury.

Noni Madueke also starts after illness, though Reece James is only on the bench with Moises Caicedo potentially set to invert from right-back.

It’s another start alongside Levi Colwill at centre-back for young Josh Acheampong, who impressed in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace in the last top-flight outing.

There are two changes from Enzo Maresca to his starting team from that game at Selhurst Park, with Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto replaced by Lavia and Madueke.

Renato Veiga and Christopher Nkunku are both among the substitutes amid those transfer links to the Bundesliga.

Bournemouth lineup

18:23 , George Flood

Starting XI: Travers, Hill, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez, Christie, Cook, Brooks, Adams, Ouattara, Semenyo

Subs: Dennis, Akinmboni, Kinsey, Winterburn, Sadi, Kluivert, Jebbison, Adu-Adjei, Rees-Dottin

Chelsea lineup

18:19 , George Flood

Starting XI: Sanchez, Caicedo, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella, Lavia, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson

Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Veiga, Gusto, James, Neto, Joao Felix, Nkunku, Guiu

Lineups on the way

18:17 , George Flood

The official team sheet has dropped from Stamford Bridge.

Stay tuned...

Iraola: 'Everyone' at Bournemouth working on attacking signing

18:17 , George Flood

Tonight is Bournemouth’s first league game since the injuries to Evanilson and Enes Unal, with the Cherries bouncing back to thrash Championship promotion hopefuls West Brom 5-1 at home in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Dango Ouattara netted twice as he led the attack, with Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo and Daniel Jebbison also on target.

Bournemouth clearly have attacking options to cope without two of their leading men, but Andoni Iraola admitted yesterday that the club were working hard to sign reinforcements.

"I have no idea what's going to happen," the Spaniard said.

"I know the club is working on it but I don't know. You never know what's going to happen in the market.

"We are trying to sign a striker, this is clear. Everyone in the club is trying to sign a striker.

"We've lost this week Enes and Evanilson and it's not just one, two days (to find a replacement). Strikers are very valuable.

"I understand that clubs don't want to lose strikers halfway through the season.

"And we need a striker at the level to start and play Premier League games, so I know it's not going to be easy. But everyone at the club is working on this."

Maresca denies Dortmund deal for Renato Veiga

18:05 , George Flood

Enzo Maresca revealed yesterday that Chelsea had received no offers so far this month for Ben Chilwell, with the likes of Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka also not involved against Morecambe as they expect to leave the club in January.

Summer signing Renato Veiga has also been heavily linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund just six months after joining the Blues from FC Basel, though his manager has played down speculation over an imminent exit.

Reports suggest the versatile Portuguese international could join Dortmund on a loan-to-buy deal as he wants to play more regularly in central defence.

"I'm not aware that there is an agreement for Renato," he said on Monday.

"Yesterday he was here with us working, today he'll be here with us. At the moment he's our player. We'll see if something happens.

"The only thing I can say is that we bought him from Basel, he's played different positions, played well, and this has allowed him to join the national team for the first time in his life.

"Even if he's not playing in his position, he's playing for his national team which means that in the position he is playing, he can do well.

"In this case, a young player who is 21 years, joined Chelsea and started to play in four or five different positions, that's given him the chance to join his national team so we are very proud of that."

Will Chelsea recall Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace loan?

18:00 , George Flood

There is plenty going on transfer-wise with Chelsea at the moment, not least the ongoing confusion over whether or not the club will recall Trevoh Chalobah early from his productive loan spell at London rivals Crystal Palace given the absences of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in defence.

The versatile centre-back was left out of the Palace squad against Stockport in the FA Cup on Sunday due to a “contractual issue” and it remains to be seen if he will return against Leicester in the league tomorrow night.

Chelsea also want to sign Chalobah’s Palace defensive colleague Marc Guehi, who left Stamford Bridge for Selhurst Park in 2021 and has gone on to establish himself as an England regular.

"It is a little bit (of) a tricky situation," Eagles boss Oliver Glasner said on Chalobah at a press conference held earlier today.

"I want to always be honest. Chelsea has the possibility to call him back from loan.

"There is a little bit of uncertainty at the moment - will they do it, when they will do it.

"I have to take the best decision for our team. We need clarity, he needs clarity, so that is the situation and let's see.

"I never tell you who is playing, this is the same. I will decide what is best for our team and maybe Trevoh is involved or not (against Leicester), so let's see."

Glasner added: "He wants to stay here but it is a decision Chelsea can take to call him back.

"We are passengers - we are not the pilot who is flying the plane, so we have to wait how they decide.

"We need all the players being in the best physical and mental shape and of course not having the clarity is not so easy, especially for Trevoh.

"I have talked to him. He feels very well (settled) here at Crystal Palace.

"He is performing very well, has scored three goals for us and has a high standing in our locker room, so many positive signals here, but he also has to wait how they decide.

"My wish and I am pretty sure Trevoh's wish, is that he stays with us.

"Chelsea loaned him to us to give him minutes, to improve his game, this is what he did - but I think he is not finished, that is why we made a one-year loan deal, but let's see."

Bournemouth make early moves in January market

17:43 , George Flood

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have moved twice in the January market already.

The Cherries swooped to sign American youth international defender Matai Akinmboni from MLS side DC United for an initial fee of around £810,000.

They have also brought in teenage left-back Julio Soler from Argentine outfit Lanus for an initial £6.6m, but as mentioned he is currently away on international duty.

The only outgoings so far have been the loan exits of Philip Billing and Max Aarons to Napoli and Valencia respectively.

Chelsea want Mathys Tel as Bayern eye Nkunku deal

17:38

Chelsea look to be stepping up their transfer business this month with plenty of speculation regarding a move for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, which could see Christopher Nkunku head in the opposite direction.

Standard Sport understands that Chelsea have told Bayern that they want £65million for Nkunku and are interested in a move for fellow Frenchman Tel, 19, if the former departs in January.

However, no swap deal has yet been offered and it is understood that the transfers - should they happen - would be separate.

Chelsea aim to halt rise of away day specialists Bournemouth

17:27 , George Flood

The calm before the storm at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Per Opta, Chelsea have kept just one home clean sheet all season in the Premier League and have scored more on their travels.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have won three of their last four away league games, scoring at least twice in each of their last five away trips.

However, Chelsea are unbeaten in the last six meetings between the clubs - winning 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium back in September - and have not lost to tonight’s opponents since 2019.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth prediction

17:16 , George Flood

Given how strong Bournemouth have been of late and a lack of killer instinct from Chelsea, a draw tonight would hardly be a surprise.

Draw, 1-1.

Bournemouth team news

17:14 , George Flood

Bournemouth have been rocked of late by record signing Evanilson fracturing his foot and Enes Unal being lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

First-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga - on loan from Chelsea - is unable to face his parent club tonight, though midfielder Ryan Christie is back in contention after illness.

Daniel Jebbison is also back, though Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo, Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra and Adam Smith are all still sidelined.

Bournemouth have allowed midfielder Philip Billing and full-back Max Aarons to join Napoli and Valencia respectively on loan, while defender Julio Soler is currently away on international duty with Argentina’s Under-20s.

Chelsea team news

17:07 , George Flood

Chelsea got 45 minutes out of both captain Reece James and key midfielder Romeo Lavia against Morecambe on Saturday in their respective returns from injury.

Enzo Maresca, as we’ve become accustomed to in the cup competitions this season, made wholesale changes for that game against fourth-tier opposition, most of which you’d expect to be reversed this evening.

Youngster Josh Acheampong could get another start at centre-back, while Noni Madueke has shaken off a bout of illness and is now said to be 100 per cent fit.

Centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile remain absent through injury though, as does Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Mykhailo Mudryk is still unavailable.

How to watch Chelsea vs Bournemouth

17:01 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3. Coverage starts at 6:30pm GMT.

Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream online via the Discovery+ app and website.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth live

17:00 , George Flood

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Chelsea vs Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The Blues will be desperate to get back to winning ways tonight to try and vault themselves back into the title mix and ward off a number of challengers who are right on their tail in an increasingly crowded fight just to finish in the top four.

Enzo Maresca’s previously flying side have failed to win any of their last four league matches, though did brush aside League Two relegation-battlers Morecambe at home in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The going will be much tougher against a Bournemouth team who have made amazing progress under highly-rated head coach Andoni Iraola, unbeaten in eight with a strong away record and by far the most points they’ve ever amassed by this stage in Premier League history - just three behind fourth-place Chelsea in seventh at the start of the evening.

However, severe recent injury blows have led many to question if the Cherries can sustain such momentum without some key players.

Kick-off tonight in west London is at the earlier time of 7:30pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up plus all the latest team news and live updates, with expert analysis from Chelsea correspondent Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge.