Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been forced into making a late change to his starting XI ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
Ramires was originally due to partner Nemanja Matic in central midfield at Stamford Bridge, but the Brazil international, who scored an excellent goal in Wednesday’s 3-1 win at Leicester City, pulled out late due to illness.
Juan Cuadrado has been drafted in to replace Ramires, meaning Cesc Fabregas is likely to drop back from the number 10 role to play alongside Matic.
This will be Cuadrado’s third Premier League start since his £26m move from Fiorentina in January.
He has also appeared in six league games as a sub.
Amended starting XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Cuadrado, Hazard; Drogba.
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