Chelsea hit with major suspension setback as two stars to miss Liverpool game following brawl

Chelsea's tense draw against a 10-man has . Two of his key players are now sidelined for the trip to leader after the international break.

Despite only featuring in seven league games, combative have already seen two of their squad members rack up five yellow cards. A one-match ban is the punishment for collecting five yellows up to and including matchweek 19. Both Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella were treading on thin ice heading into the clash with Forest.

They appeared set for a clean escape with 78 minutes already elapsed and no cautions. However, Cucurella found himself at the center of a full-scale melee with the game finely poised after Forest star James Ward-Prowse had already been sent off for two yellow cards.

The Spanish full-back was shoved into his own manager Maresca by former Reds man Neco Williams and fellow Chelsea defender Levi Colwill led the protests, storming over to the sideline to confront Williams, which ignited a large group of players and coaches to join the scuffle.

Cucurella was perplexed when he stood up to find that referee Chris Kavanagh had brandished a yellow card, despite him being on the receiving end of a push from Williams. The Welsh full-back and Colwill also received bookings, confirming Cucurella's suspension.

Fofana found himself in the referee's book with a yellow card after he pulled down substitute Jota Silva, who was speeding past Chelsea's defense. This tactical foul has left Chelsea's manager pondering over a difficult situation ahead of their trip to Anfield.

Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke were also forced off with injuries. Nicolas Jackson could yet face retrospective action for his role in the touchline brawl when he appeared to raise his hands to the face of Forest defender Murillo.

Chelsea's goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, came to the rescue with some last-minute saves. He also shared his thoughts on the need for the team to avoid unnecessary fouls in future matches.

"A couple of players are going to miss games because of it, but we need to speak about it in the changing room," Sanchez stressed. "We deserved more and created chances but we didn't score the goal to get the points. Massive players but it was unlucky. They need to stop talking to the officials. We have some very good players to come in."

Maresca, whose team is now facing a fine £25,000 (around $33,000) due to its card-happy conduct, commented: "I said many times it is something we need to improve. I like the team the way they are fighting and become a team."

Liverpool.com says: Chelsea has been something of a surprise package so far this season. Maresca has managed to get his side looking like team, which is no mean feat. If Liverpool can win against the Stamford Bridge outfit, though, that would cement a feeling that it is a top-four contender while men are more than that.