Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has given some early team news ahead of the first Premier League game after Christmas tomorrow against Crystal Palace.

He told the official club website that Enzo Fernandez will not be available to face the London rivals tomorrow due to his ongoing injury concerns.

Fernandez was one of those who was not on the pitch for the final game before the big day at Molineux, where the Blues fell foul of their own worst enemies – themselves.

They missed a heap of big chances, with Raheem Sterling being the player taking the brunt of the blame.

He and Moises Caicedo were both not available, with the latter missing out on the fixture due to illness.

While Pochettino had positive news regarding the latter, he confirmed that Fernandez would still not be available to take part.

Fernandez not fit to face Palace

He said: “Enzo no [not available vs Crystal Palace] but we hope Moi yes. Moi was better on Sunday. He had a high fever and that is why he isolated. We hope he can train a little bit and be ready for Palace.”

The midfield role is one where Pochettino will have a number of questions to answer ahead of the London derby tomorrow. Lesley Ugochukwu was also forced off injured during the last game.

Conor Gallagher is likely to feature again, with him being a starter for every game he has been available during the Mauricio Pochettino era.

One player who definitely wont line up in that midfield is Cole Palmer, after he was suspended following his fifth yellow card of the season.

The manner the England international picked up the booking in will be particularly disappointing for the manager, with it coming after he booted the ball away off the back of a decision not going his way.