Chelsea suffer major suspension blow for Premier League trip to Manchester United

Chelsea will be without Conor Gallagher for Wednesday's trip to Manchester United after the midfielder was sent off against Brighton.

Gallagher was dismissed in the first-half of his side's Premier League clash on Sunday after bringing down Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour and stopping a counter-attack. The 23-year-old had already been booked for a late and reckless challenge on Facundo Buonanotte.

He will now serve a one-game suspension and will not be available for Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford. United host Chelsea in the second of three league matches in the space of a week.

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Gallagher has been almost ever-present for Chelsea in the Premier League, starting 13 times and playing more minutes than everyone except Thiago Silva and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. He is their most creative player with four assists.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are short of options in the advanced midfield role, with Cole Palmer the most natural fit replacement for Gallagher after he was dropped to the bench for the game against Brighton. Chelsea, who beat the Seagulls 3-2 despite Gallagher's dismissal, could welcome Christopher Nkunku back from a long-term knee injury that has seen him absent since pre-season.

The France international arrived at Stamford Bridge for £52million in June but is yet to feature for Chelsea in a competitive match. Pochettino admitted earlier this week that he would be a late call for the game against Brighton but he was not present on the substitutes bench.

United could welcome Mason Mount back into the squad against his former side, with the midfielder having taken part in training this week. Manager Erik