Chelsea suffered a late blow ahead of their Friday night fixture against West Ham at the London Stadium, with key midfielder Cole Palmer withdrawn from the starting lineup after experiencing discomfort during the warm-up.
The England international was escorted off the pitch by a member of the club’s medical staff and subsequently replaced by summer signing Willian Estevao, who makes his first Premier League start for the Blues.
The 28-year-old Estevao joins Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in midfield as manager Enzo Maresca made several adjustments to the side that was held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace last weekend.
Liam Delap is handed a start alongside Joao Pedro in attack, with Jamie Gittens dropping to the bench. In defense, Tosin Adarabioyo returns from injury to replace Josh Acheampong, while Malo Gusto comes in for Reece James.
