EPL: 'This is not Cole Palmer football club' — Pochettino charges Chelsea stars ahead of Arsenal clash

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has charged his side to put up a show against London rivals Arsenal in the absence of talisman Cole Palmer.

The 21-year-old did not train with the rest of the squad ahead of the Tuesday's clash at Emirates Stadium.

The former Manchester City man is suffering from an illness which makes him a huge doubt for the London derby.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Pochettino called on the rest of the squad to step up their performance in the absence of the club's top scorer.

“It’s a good challenge if Palmer is not available vs Arsenal, the former Spurs manager told reporters.

“If I were them [Chelsea players], I would be motivated to go there tomorrow and show that this is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club,” he said.