Chelsea will be without Gary Cahill for tomorrow afternoon’s match against Crystal Palace.

The defender has a thigh problem and will not be risked against the Eagles, who have been somewhat resurgent under new manager Tony Pulis.

Cesar Apilicueta will regain his spot at left back despite Ashley Cole making his first appearance in thirty-nine days in the 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest in midweek.

The Blues will hope to close the gap between themselves and leaders Arsenal who travel Manchester City earlier in the day.

Jose Mourinho’s men then face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday week.

Meanwhile, the Blues’ boss has refused to commit on whether he will again move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney when the transfer window opens next month, ESPN understands.

The England international, who was the subject of interest from Chelsea during the summer, has been one of a small number of star performers for the Champions since David Moyes became their manager.

Rooney is entering the final eighteen months of his contract with United and the situation is likely to be monitored closely by Mourinho, who recently told reporters that he has faith in his current selection of misfiring forwards.