Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has hinted that star midfielder Cole Palmer may not be “100% fit” as the Blues prepare for a crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester City on Saturday.
The match at the Etihad Stadium is set to be pivotal in the race for the top four, with Chelsea currently sitting fourth in the table.
The Blues trail Arsenal and Nottingham Forest by four points and lead fifth-placed Manchester City by just two points.
While Chelsea’s title hopes appear to have dwindled following a poor run of form over the new year, securing Champions League qualification remains the primary objective.
A victory over a struggling City side would significantly bolster their chances.
Palmer’s Fitness Woes
Despite concerns over his fitness, Palmer is expected to feature against his former club after recovering from a minor ankle injury sustained last week.
The attacking midfielder played 84 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night.
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When asked about Palmer’s fitness during his pre-match press conference, Maresca acknowledged the player’s determination but suggested he is still not at his peak.
“He is better, he is better,” Maresca said. “He made an unbelievable effort to play against Wolves, and he is getting better.”
Injury Setbacks for Chelsea
While Chelsea have welcomed back some players, their injury list remains a concern. Romeo Lavia, who has suffered another setback, will miss the clash against Manchester City.
“Probably Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez, they can be available. It depends on today’s session. Romeo will be out,” Maresca confirmed.
The extent of Lavia’s injury remains unclear, though Maresca suggested the midfielder could be sidelined for several weeks.
If so, Lavia may miss upcoming matches against West Ham, Brighton, and Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against the Seagulls.
A Missed Opportunity for Lavia
Like Palmer, Lavia is a product of Manchester City’s academy and would have relished the opportunity to face his former club.
The Belgian midfielder has struggled with injuries since joining Chelsea, but his potential has not gone unnoticed.
Former Premier League defender Michael Dawson recently highlighted Lavia’s suitability for City’s style of play, particularly in Rodri’s absence.
“Lavia’s one who would have been perfect for Manchester City and the way they play,” Dawson said on Sky Sports.
“He’s a perfect fit for their system, but injuries have hampered his progress.”
A Crucial Match Awaits
As Chelsea prepare to face Manchester City, the team’s fitness challenges add another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes game.
With Palmer expected to play through discomfort and Lavia unavailable, the Blues will need to dig deep to secure a vital win.
The match at the Etihad promises to be a defining moment in Chelsea’s pursuit of Champions League football, with every point crucial in the tightly contested race for the top four.
