The reason why Joao Felix has not travelled with the Chelsea squad for their Conference League fixture against FC Astana has been revealed.

Chelsea face FC Astana in the Conference League on Thursday but will do so without having Joao Felix as part of the travelling squad

Cole Palmer wasn’t named in the squad, making him unavailable for this game. Joao Felix is the front-runner to operate in his position. Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho make way for Tyrique George and Mykhailo Mudryk on the wings with Marc Guiu playing as a striker instead of Nicolas Jackson.

While the festive period can take a toll on teams, Chelsea's decision to field almost separate squads for Conference League play vs Premier League play will ensure that everyone is as fresh as possible for competing on both fronts.

Chelsea today travel to Kazakhstan to meet Astana in the Conference League. Such a long journey during the most intense part of the season is hardly welcome for Enzo Maresca, though the Blues boss does have the luxury of making wholesale changes to his squad.

The team news is in from the Almaty Ortalyk Stadium ahead of Chelsea's Conference League clash against FC Astana on Thursday. Enzo Maresca's side have won all four of their League Phase matches so far and are on the brink of confirming their spot in the last-16 of the Conference League.

Welcome to matchday five of six, the most silliest yet of this UEFA Conference League “league phase”, which sees us having traveled all the way to eastern Kazakhstan to take on Astana. Enzo Maresca barely brought along a team’s worth of senior professionals,

Chelsea return to Conference League action on Thursday, but are kicking off at an unusual time as they face Kazakhstan side Astana.Enzo Maresca's side sit top of the Conference League during the