Chelsea in danger of double suspension blow ahead of crunch Liverpool test

Two important Chelsea players are just one card away from missing the crucial game at Anfield after the October international break in the Premier League

While Chelsea fans may be forgiven for feeling confident ahead of their home match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, given how well the Blues are playing under new boss Enzo Maresca, there will be an added degree of jeopardy to the game at Stamford Bridge.

That's because two of Chelsea's star defenders could pick up a suspension if they receive a yellow card, meaning they would miss the west London side's crunch match with Liverpool after the international break.

Both Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana have tallied up four yellow cards so far this campaign, meaning they are one short from being given a one-match ban.

Given the importance of the Blues' trip to Anfield on October 20, Chelsea fans will surely have their hearts in their mouths for every Cucurella and Fofana tackle come this Sunday.

Meanwhile, manager Maresca will be keen to remind the pair to avoid kicking the ball away, or else potentially suffer the same fate as Arsenal's Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice recently.

The Chelsea pair aren't the only players on thin ice this week, so to speak, with Fulham's Sasa Lukic, Ipswich's Sam Morsy and Newcastle's Joelinton all running the same risk of suspension.

READ MORE: I was angry with Chelsea - I made my mind up on transfer away after Enzo Maresca chat

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca is about to reap the rewards of £12m investment as Chelsea truth highlighted

While Chelsea are firm favourites for their clash with Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo's side have had a strong start to the season.

Forest have lost just once so far, having won two and drawn three. The Midlands side are exceeding expectations in 9th, and have already completed one giant killing this campaign – their 1-0 smash-and-grab victory at Liverpool.

Chelsea, too, have started their campaign well, sitting in fourth, just a couple of points off first-place Liverpool. The Blues have showcased brilliant, free-flowing attacking football at times under Maresca, and have scored seven goals in their last two matches.

Maresca, who joined Chelsea in the summer having previously managed Leicester, will be hoping his side can retain their form as the season progresses, with the club having firmly set their sights on Champions League qualification.

And the Blues will go into the clash in high spirits after their 4-2 Europa Conference League victory at home to Gent on Thursday night, where Cucurella was an unused sub.

football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel

Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!

Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.

Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!