The Liam Rosenior era at Stamford Bridge faces a logistical test this evening as Chelsea host Pafos in the Champions League.
While the Blues secured a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Brentford at the weekend, the squad has been hampered by a persistent virus.
Enzo Fernandez is a major doubt after missing training earlier this week, while captain Cole Palmer is expected to have his minutes managed carefully following a rare full ninety-minute shift on Saturday.
Despite the fitness concerns, there is positive news with the return of Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian to the matchday squad. Rosenior is expected to rotate his lineup, potentially handing a start to Liam Delap and a rare appearance for goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
The match serves as a vital opportunity for Chelsea to close the gap to the automatic qualification spots in the league phase. However, the manager must balance European ambitions with a looming Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, particularly with defender Tosin Adarabioyo ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury.