The Blues narrowly avoided a historically embarrassing defeat in a 2-2 draw at Qarabag where manager Enzo Maresca's rotation was questioned.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is growing in optimism Cole Palmer will return from a groin injury in time to face Barcelona in the Champions League later this month. Palmer has not played since being substituted against Manchester United in September due to the problem.

Chelsea stumbled in the UEFA Champions League, drawing 2-2 with Qarabag. The Blues lacked cutting edge in the final third and made too many mistakes at the back. Chelsea started well with Estevao Willian netting his second Champions League goal in as many starts for the West London giants.

Chelsea's UEFA Youth League game against Qarabag was temporarily suspended after the Blues' Under-19s side were allegedly subjected to racist abuse during a game in Baku

Maresca’s team have shown they do have the quality and ability. But they also cannot be trusted yet to do it on a regular basis

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged his team were some way short of Chelsea's quality after losing 2-0 to Thomas Tuchel's side in the Premier League on Monday.

Chelsea say their academy players were racially abused during a 5-0 win against Qarabag in Baku in the Uefa Youth League.