Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca expressed optimism about the potential return of Cole Palmer for Sunday’s high-stakes Premier League showdown with Arsenal.
The Blues will be eager to field one of their standout players, especially as they look to build on recent momentum.
Palmer’s Setback Against Manchester United
Palmer’s fitness has been in question following a knock he sustained in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
A hard challenge from United’s Lisandro Martinez saw the young forward on the receiving end of a rough tackle, with many Chelsea fans feeling Martinez was fortunate to avoid a red card.
While Palmer avoided major injury, he hasn’t trained this week and was notably absent from Chelsea’s 8-0 Europa Conference League victory over FC Noah on Thursday.
However, this absence was due to his ineligibility for Chelsea’s Conference League squad, sparking hope that his omission is precautionary rather than injury-forced.
Maresca’s Optimism for a Quick Recovery
In his pre-match press conference, Maresca sounded cautiously optimistic.
“Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit,” Maresca noted,
“He is getting better and we still have two days to prepare for the game. Hopefully, we can have him for a session – at least on Saturday – and then we take a decision.”
Palmer’s Impact So Far This Season
Since joining Chelsea, Palmer has shown himself to be a key attacking force, recording an impressive seven goals and five assists in just 10 Premier League matches.
The 22-year-old has been virtually ever-present in the lineup, though he missed Chelsea’s last match against Arsenal due to illness. In that absence, Chelsea endured a tough 5-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
This time, the Blues hope for a different outcome, with Palmer playing a central role in their attacking strategy.
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Maresca’s Rotation Strategy and Managing the Squad’s Health
With a packed fixture list due to Chelsea’s participation in both the Premier League and Conference League, Maresca has made squad rotation a priority to maintain player fitness and reduce injury risks.
He commented on Chelsea’s current positive injury situation, saying,
“At this moment, we are quite lucky we don’t have injuries, so we have 24 or 25 players available and we can choose.”
“The way we have tried to do things since we started the season means we protect players, as it’s one thing to play three matches a week and it’s another to play one.”
Chelsea’s Conference League matches have allowed Maresca to rest key players like Palmer, which should give Chelsea an edge in the latter stages of the season.
The Italian manager is keen to continue with this approach, mindful that a busy schedule will inevitably lead to a need for deeper rotation and greater reliance on squad depth.
Eyes on Sunday: Arsenal Showdown Awaits
As Chelsea gear up to host Arsenal on Sunday, Palmer’s potential return could be a decisive factor in the match’s outcome.
Both teams are in need of points to keep their respective goals on track, and Chelsea’s recent improvements hint at a tighter contest this time.
Maresca’s rotation strategy has allowed him to protect core players, and Palmer’s availability would be a major boost for Chelsea’s attacking options as they look to exploit Arsenal’s defense.
The next 48 hours will be crucial in determining Palmer’s availability.
Chelsea fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a green light on Palmer’s fitness as the Blues prepare for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
