Chelsea hope to have Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez available against Brighton

Head coach Liam Rosenior provided a mixed update following Saturday evening's narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, a result that has left the Blues staring at the possibility of a fifth consecutive top-flight loss.

With an away trip to Brighton scheduled for Tuesday evening, the timing of these setbacks could hardly be worse.

In total, eight first-team players are currently either sidelined or facing late fitness tests, leaving Rosenior with selection headaches ahead of the Brighton fixture.

However, there is hope surrounding Brazilian forward João Pedro, who missed the United clash due to a thigh injury sustained in training last week.

The 24-year-old watched from the stands at the weekend but is now expected to return in some capacity. Initially described as "touch and go" before the United match, he could even be handed a starting role, potentially replacing Liam Delap. Adding intrigue, Pedro would be facing his former club.

There was also concern over Enzo Fernandez, who was forced off just two minutes before the end of normal time against United with a calf issue.

While the full extent of the injury remains unclear, Rosenior struck an optimistic tone, suggesting the Argentine midfielder is only a minor doubt. Fernandez had only recently returned to the starting XI after serving a two-match suspension.

"I'm hoping it's cramp," Rosenior said. "He's getting work on it right now because we want him, obviously, fit for Tuesday."