Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will not be able to count on the services of five key players when his side face Brighton & Hove in the Premier League on Saturday, January 20.

As reported by The Telegraph, Belgian international Thibaut Courtois will not help the team at The American Express Community Stadium after injuring his ankle in training.

Conte confirmed at Friday's press conference that Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas will not take part today due to hamstring injuries.

Pedro and Alvaro Morata were sent off for picking up two yellow cards in the FA Cup replay vs Norwich City midweek and are both ineligible to play against the Seagulls.

Meanwhile, England international of Nigerian descent Ross Barkley is in line to make his competitive debut for Chelsea today as he has been named in the 18-man squad.

The Blues new number eight scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Queens Park Rangers on Thursday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com