Cole Palmer might not play for Chelsea when they face Manchester United, even though he was brought on as a substitute in the victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Palmer’s projected return date to the starting eleven is currently unknown, per a Standard report. Ben Chilwell, who also made an early impression on the season, has been hampered by a hamstring injury, which is something that has happened to the England international a lot in recent years.

Positively, Romeo Lavia, an injured midfielder, is getting closer to being fully fit, though he will likely cover for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in important games.

Lavia is probably going to serve as Chelsea’s backup in the Premier League for the foreseeable future, if they are not eliminated from the competition.

The ultimate goal of Chelsea Football Club is to solidify the elite tandem of Fernandez and Caicedo as a permanent foundation so that they can add to it during next transfer windows.

Chelsea views investing in Lavia as beneficial given their significant financial obligations. When the former Southampton football player will make his Chelsea debut is yet unknown, though.

The 19-year-old Lavia appears to be “closing in” on making his club debut, even though he may still be further away than the soon-to-be Christopher Nkunku. Given that football players have a busy month during the holidays, this may be an opportunity for the young player to make his debut for his new team.