Welcome to Friday's Chelsea live blog from football.london.
The Blues lost more vital ground in the Premier League title race as Danny Welbeck cancelled out Romelu Lukaku's opener deep into second-half stoppage-time as the Seagulls earned a well-deserved point on Wednesday night.
At the same time, Manchester City held on to a 1-0 lead against Brentford to extend their lead at the top of the table to what looks like being a mammoth eight points already.
As well as action the pitch, though, there will be some heads turning to the January transfer window that opens in the coming days.
There are plenty of names being linked with a move to Chelsea, as well as some of Thomas Tuchel's men possibly leaving next month.
So, with all of this being said, scroll down for the very latest Chelsea-related coverage throughout the day.
Goodnight!
Unfortunately, that's all we've got time for tonight!
From all here at football.london, we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Make sure you join us for even more tomorrow.
Tuchel makes Gilmour admission
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has made a stark admission over the future of Billy Gilmour.
Speaking this week, he said: “To be honest I have not thought about it [Gilmour’s situation] yet.
“We don’t even have a whole week to discuss these things.
“Honestly, I don’t have a clear opinion.”
Hazard formations
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could have a major decision to make should the Blues seal the return of club icon Eden Hazard.
Take a look at the potential formations that the Blues could play with the Belgian part of the side once more here.
Chelsea transfer rumours
There's now less than three hours until the January transfer window officially opens and that means the rumours are set to keep on coming.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest talk coming out of Stamford Bridge.
Find out the latest on Theo Hernandez, Lucas Digne and Andreas Christensen right here.
Reece James comments on injury
Chelsea defender Reece James has expressed his disappointment in sustaining what looked like a worrying injury.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Unfortunately I’m ending the year with disappointment having picking up an injury on Wednesday. Hoping it’s nothing to major. I’ll be working as hard as possible to get back on the pitch soon doing what I love.”
Read his comments in full here.
Klopp told to copy Chelsea
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has told the Reds that they need to become more like Chelsea if they are to challenge for consistent honours.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said: “His [Klopp] team have not won enough.
“Out of context, that sounds extremely unfair. A better way of putting it is that they have not won as much as their performances have deserved. To put it simply, Liverpool need to become more like Chelsea.”
Read the full story here.
Christensen edges towards Barcelona agreement
Chelsea could well be set to lose a second defender to Barcelona with reports in Spain suggesting Andreas Christensen is edging towards a move to the Camp Nou.
According to Sport, the Dane has 'no intention' to extend his Chelsea deal and that an agreement could be found with Barca 'soon'.
Read more here.
Lukaku loan a possibility
Italian media are reporting that Inter Milan would not be able to finance a move back to Italy for Romelu Lukaku amid the striker's desire to return to the San Siro.
As per Corriere dello Sport, the Serie A champions could explore the feasability of a loan deal for the Belgian but any permanent move would not be affordable.
Read the full story via Sempre Inter here.
TV fixtures confirmed
Chelsea's Premier League clash with Leicester City in February has been rescheduled.
The game is now set to take place on Sunday, February 27 at 2pm and will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
It could still be subject to change due to Chelsea's potential progression to the Carabao Cup final.
Read the full story here.
Reece James avoids surgery
Some positive news on the fitness of Reece James now, with reports suggesting that the Chelsea defender has avoided surgery.
The England right-back was spotted leaving this week's clash against Brighton on crutches and whilst he is expected to be out for a couple of months with a torn hamstring, has avoided an even longer lay-off.
Newcastle eye Digne deal
Newcastle United are eyeing a permanent deal for Everton defender Lucas Digne, according to reports.
As per ESPN, the newly-rich Magpies are plotting a permanent switch for the Frenchman amid suggestions that Chelsea are planning on bringing him in on a loan deal.
Read more here.
Chelsea eye £37m Hernandez deal
On the topic of left-backs, Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay €45m (£37m) for AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez as they eye a replacement for Ben Chilwell.
According to El Nacional, the Blues have set the price that they would be willing to pay for the Frenchman.
Read the latest here.
Sarri eyeing Emerson Palmieri
There were some suggestions that on-loan Emerson Palmieri could be recalled to Stamford Bridge following the injury suffered by Ben Chilwell.
Now, it seems that the Italian could depart permanently. According to Corriere dello Sport, former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is interested in the defender and could make an effort to sign him for Lazio in the summer.
Read more here.
Jurgen Klopp reveals Covid latest
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that three first-team players have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
The Reds manager also claimed that he doesn't think there will be a postponement at this moment.
Read more here.
Blues left-wing-back conundrum
Chelsea are without Ben Chilwell for the rest of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
With Marcos Alonso as the only recognised wing-back, could Thomas Tuchel call upon some former players to help him out at Stamford Bridge?
Read more here.
Barcelona in "pole position" for Chelsea defender
Barcelona are in pole position to land Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, reports Sport.
The Spanish outlet claims that the 25-year-old has no intention of staying at Stamford Bridge and is likely to leave when his contract expires next summer.
FIFA Club World Cup update
Chelsea are set to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup in the UAE in February, with their semi-final game being played on the 8th.
However, New Zealand side Auckland FC have had to withdraw due to Covid protocols that may impact the Blues' progression.
Read more here.
Glen Johnson interview
Our Chelsea reporter Scott Trotter, in conjunction with BoyleSports football, spoke to former Blues star Glen Johnson and discussed what Chelsea may need to do in January, Reece James and what makes a modern full back.
Inter fans unhappy with Lukaku statement
Romelu Lukaku's recent interview has got plenty of people talking and whilst those of a Chelsea background seem upset, the same can be said of the Inter Milan fans.
A section had a banner that read: "It doesn't matter who runs away in the rain. It counts who stays in the storm. Bye, Romelu.”
Read more here.
Four ways Chelsea can line-up amid Reece James injury
The Blues are set to be without both Ben Chilwell and Reece James for an extended period of time.
With Marcos Alonso as the only recognised wing-back, how can Chelsea shape up with their current squad?
Read more here.
Every word from Thomas Tuchel
Missed the press conference earlier?
We've got you covered, check out every word Thomas Tuchel had to say about the Liverpool clash, Romelu Lukaku and all the latest injury news here.
Zero chance of Lukaku leaving
There was some suggestion of the forward forcing a move away after his comments on being unhappy at the club, but there is said to be no chance of a transfer.
Thomas Tuchel on wing-back injuries
Chelsea are set to be without Ben Chilwell and Reece James when they face Liverpool on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed Chilwell is set to miss the season, while the club are waiting to learn the extent of the injury to James.
Read more here.
Thomas Tuchel breaks silence on Romelu Lukaku claims
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been left frustrated by comments made by Romelu Lukaku on his time at Stamford Bridge since his summer switch.
The forward claimed he was unhappy with how he was being played so far this season.
Read more here.
Thomas Tuchel press conference soon
Thomas Tuchel is set to face the media in ten minutes ahead of his side's clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
You can follow our live blog here or stick around and read every word and all the reaction from the Chelsea boss on football.london.
Blues willing to listen to offers for Barkley
The 28-year-old has struggled to become a permanent feature in the first-team so far this season, with the Blues now willing to cash in for the player in January.
Romelu Lukaku confusion
Romelu Lukaku's agent Federico Pastorello has contradicted what his client has had to say on his future amid shock Inter Milan return claims ahead of the January transfer window.
Lukaku, 28, added to Thomas Tuchel's misery with his recent comments that have totally undermined the manager's authority and tactics.
Interestingly enough, only a few days ago on December 27, Pastorello updated the Italian media on how the move has gone so far for himself and more importantly his client.
What he had to say will confuse Chelsea fans even more, especially considering the timing of these latest comments from the club record signing.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku's agent confirmed: “We’re more than happy of our choice. Chelsea’s the perfect club for him, we never had any doubt."
Read the full story here.
Tagliafico considered
Chelsea have reportedly identified Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico as a transfer target, Sports Mole have reported.
The Blues are expected to be in the market for a new left-back during the January window, with Ben Chilwell likely to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Everton's Lucas Digne has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, but according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tagliafico is also an option for the Champions League holders.
Romano claims that the Argentina international 'has been discussed' by the Blues, who saw their Premier League title hopes suffer a blow on Wednesday night when they were held at home by Brighton & Hove Albion.
Tagliafico has made 13 appearances for Ajax during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing one goal and one assist in the process.
Reece James 'hamstring tear'
Could the right wing back's season be over already just like Ben Chilwell's.
We will hear more from Thomas Tuchel in his press conference very soon.
Good morning!
Welcome along to football.london's coverage of Chelsea on Friday.
We have a morning press conference and loads more to bring you today so make sure to keep tuned.
