Hours before Chelsea's Premier League match against Brighton at The Amex on 21/4, an account named @Rileyeagles posted confidential team information on social media platform X. The post read: "Palmer and Joao Pedro both require treatment for injuries before tonight's match. This is exclusive information for you". The account included a photo of Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella from behind with a hair clipper. According to British media, the account owner is the Spanish defender's barber.

This leak of team lineup information, typically kept confidential until just before kickoff by head coach Liam Rosenior, proved accurate. Palmer was absent due to a hamstring injury sustained after the 0-1 loss to Man Utd, and Pedro missed his second consecutive match, having not recovered in time. Missing these two key players, Chelsea's crisis deepened. They lost 0-3 to Brighton, marking their fifth consecutive Premier League defeat. One day after this match, Chelsea announced the dismissal of coach Rosenior, ending his tenure of just over three months.

Cucurella played in Chelsea's 0-3 loss to Brighton in Premier League round 34 at the Amex on 21/4. Photo: Alamy

The latest information leak exacerbated Chelsea's ongoing security issues. Last month, the Stamford Bridge club also had its starting lineup leaked before their Champions League round of 16 match against PSG, which they lost 2-8 on aggregate. Coach Rosenior stated at the time that the "insider" was not a player but did not name anyone specifically, asserting that the matter "had been dealt with". He also emphasized that there was no malicious intent towards him personally or the team.

Beyond their poor performance on the pitch, Chelsea is also experiencing internal discord. During the international break in March, midfielder Enzo Fernandez unexpectedly stated his desire to move to Madrid, leading the club to impose internal disciplinary action, banning him for two matches.

Chelsea currently sits seventh in the Premier League with 48 points after 34 matches, seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, having played one more game. With only four matches remaining in the season, the London club has little hope of securing a Champions League spot next season. Their only remaining hope for a trophy this season is the FA Cup, where they will play their semifinal match against Leeds on 26/4. If "The Blues" win, they will advance to the final to face either Man City or Southampton.

Thanh Quy (according to X, Daily Mail)