Mauricio Pochettino is dealing with an injury crisis as struggling Chelsea prepare to welcome in-form Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana and Marcus Bettinelli will all miss Wednesday's clash, while there are questions marks over the fitness of Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke.

Pochettino will likely hand a debut to new goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who looks set to replace Robert Sanchez between the sticks, with Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell expected to occupy the backline.

Having started every game under Pochettino, Conor Gallagher will continue in midfield alongside record signing Moises Caicedo, while former Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer should join Enzo Fernandez and Raheem Sterling in the starting XI.

Given Nicolas Jackson's struggles in front of goal, Armando Broja is expected to lead the line on Wednesday, as Jackson has managed to score just one goal in seven matches across all competitions this season.

The EFL Cup typically presents Chelsea with the opportunity to rest key players while also giving game time to rising stars, but Pochettino cannot afford to take any chances as he looks for only his third win as Blues manager.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Fernandez, Sterling; Broja