The absence of Sterling and Palmer will add to the challenges faced by Chelsea's manager, Mauricio Pochettino
The match against Wolves marked Chelsea's fourth consecutive away league defeat, reflecting a broader trend of underperformance in the Premier League in 2023
The Suspension of Sterling and Palmer
Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer will miss Chelsea's upcoming Premier League clash with Crystal Palace due to suspensions incurred during their match against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves).
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This match, which Chelsea lost 2-1, proved costly in terms of the result and player availability for their next game. Sterling received a booking for simulation after contact with Wolves' Joao Gomes, while Palmer was also booked for kicking the ball away.
These bookings were their fifth yellow cards of the season, triggering a one-match suspension as per the Premier League rules.
Chelsea's Struggle in the Premier League
The match against Wolves was significant in another aspect, marking Chelsea's fourth consecutive away league defeat.
This loss was part of a broader pattern of disappointing performances by Chelsea in 2023, as they have accumulated the most yellow cards in the division, reaching 56.
Additionally, the team's overall performance has been under scrutiny, with Chelsea being tied for the joint-worst number of Premier League defeats in 2023 alongside Fulham, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest.
This is particularly striking considering the level of investment in the team.
Sterling and Palmer's absence against Crystal Palace
According to Mirror Online, The absence of Sterling and Palmer adds to the challenges faced by Chelsea's manager, Mauricio Pochettino, who has expressed frustration over the mounting suspensions and the team's overall performance.
This frustration was evident in his remarks following the match against Wolves, where he stressed the need for improvement and adaptability, especially among players new to the Premier League.
Pochettino's comments on Chelsea's challenges
Pochettino's comments recognize the challenges of bringing together a young and evolving team, emphasizing the importance of building confidence, quality, and adaptability.
He focuses on pushing the team forward and learning from these challenging experiences to reverse the club's fortunes and improve their standing in the Premier League.