According to a report by Manchester Evening News on Monday, October 26, 2026, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer will be eligible to feature against Manchester United in their upcoming Premier League encounter despite receiving a red card during his team's recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The England international was dismissed during Chelsea's disappointing 2-0 loss to Tottenham after picking up two yellow cards within nine minutes in the second half. His sending-off resulted in an automatic one-match suspension, initially raising concerns about whether he would miss the important league fixture against Manchester United.

However, Palmer will not be forced to sit out the Premier League encounter because Chelsea have another domestic competition to play before facing the Red Devils.

The Blues are scheduled to meet Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield, and that fixture will provide the opportunity for Palmer to serve his suspension.

Under English football's disciplinary regulations, suspensions resulting from red cards in Premier League matches can be served during eligible domestic cup fixtures. This means the Chelsea playmaker will complete his one-match ban against Liverpool before returning to league action.

The situation differs from suspensions imposed because of accumulated yellow cards, which generally apply only to the competition in which those bookings were received.

Palmer's availability represents encouraging news for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who will be hoping to secure a positive result against Manchester United following his side's disappointing performance against Tottenham.

Interestingly, Alonso had previously started Palmer on the bench during Chelsea's Carabao Cup meeting with Leeds United.

However, the midfielder was introduced at half-time when Chelsea were trailing 1-0. He subsequently delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice within three minutes as the London club recovered to record an entertaining 6-3 victory.

His attacking creativity, ability to influence matches and eye for goal could prove important when Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will have additional time to prepare for the Premier League showdown after suffering elimination from the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils were knocked out following a disappointing 4-2 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

Manchester United had initially established a two-goal advantage through Mason Mount and Shea Lacey, who scored within 43 seconds of each other.

However, Brighton produced an impressive comeback, with Charalampos Kostoulas reducing the deficit before Maxim De Cuyper and Pascal Gross helped turn the contest in the visitors' favour.

The result represented another setback for Manchester United, who will now turn their attention towards improving their Premier League performances.

With Palmer expected to return after serving his suspension against Liverpool, Chelsea will have one of their most influential attacking players available for the encounter.

His presence could strengthen the Blues' chances of securing an important victory as both teams prepare for another competitive Premier League meeting.