Chelsea could be without top scorer Cole Palmer for their away trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Tuesday (updating odds at Vegas79vn.live).

Palmer has been Chelsea's standout player this season having found the net 25 times in all competitions. He played all 90 minutes of the bongdalu 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester City on Saturday but has since been struck down by illness.

Asked if he thought the 21-year-old would be fit in time to feature at the Emirates, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “Today, no. "We need to assess him tomorrow morning. But today, no, I don't believe he can be involved, but we need to assess him tomorrow and then we can decide.

“Even if he will be good tomorrow, maybe he is not in a condition to play. I hope he can recover from this situation as soon as possible and be involved again with the team.”

Given the form he’s been in since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer, Palmer's absence would be a big loss for Chelsea as they bid to salvage what they can from a disappointing campaign.

The Blues are currently ninth in the table as they attempt to clinch a spot in Europe next season, but Pochettino insists there is enough quality in the squad to cope without Palmer.

“With or without, we believe that we can win,” Pochettino added. “The most important thing is the team, the collective.

“Of course, he is an important part of the team. He is doing fantastic for us, but this is Chelsea and there are plenty of players who can perform and do the job also.”

Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are also being assessed ahead of the clash against Arsenal, who currently top the table on goal difference from Liverpool, with Man City a point adrift in third with a game in hand.

Source: eurosport/football/premier-league/2023-2024/cole-palmer-a-major-doubt-for-chelsea-clash-against-arsenal-i-dont-believe-he-can-be-involved_sto10113333/story.shtml