Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is optimistic that Cole Palmer will be fit to play in Sunday’s high-stakes match against Arsenal, marking a key boost for the Blues.
Palmer suffered a knock in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United after a tackle by Lisandro Martinez, which Maresca criticized as “unacceptable.”
Palmer’s Form and Arsenal Absence Last Season
The 22-year-old has been in strong form this season, recording seven goals and five assists in Chelsea’s first ten league games.
The only league match he missed in 2024 was last season’s away game against Arsenal, where Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, suffered a heavy 5-0 loss.
Palmer’s presence could be critical for Chelsea’s hopes of a positive result at Stamford Bridge.
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Maresca Hopes for Last-Minute Clearance
Although Palmer didn’t train on Wednesday, he was present on Thursday to watch Chelsea’s 8-0 Europa Conference League victory over FC Noah, moving without apparent issues.
“If he can work and have dinner that means he’s completely fit” 😂
“He came back for his pudding too” 👀
Maresca upbeat on Palmer’s fitness ahead of @Arsenal with the @ChelseaFC star spotted enjoying several courses in the press room last night! 😅
🔗 https://t.co/xRR16Lzhfu pic.twitter.com/TQLs5UqZAP
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 8, 2024
“He is better,” Maresca said in a clip shard by Hayters Tv “If he can work and have dinner that means he’s completely fit” adding that there is still time for Palmer to recover before Sunday.
“We still have two days, tomorrow and Saturday, to prepare the game, and hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday. Then we will take the decision.”
Chelsea’s Strategy Against Arteta’s Arsenal
Both teams are currently level on 18 points in the Premier League, though Maresca acknowledges that Chelsea is still developing compared to Mikel Arteta’s more established Arsenal.
“Arsenal in this moment is the closest one to the best team in England, which is [Manchester] City,” Maresca remarked.
He believes Chelsea can compete with any team, saying, “If you don’t take [the game] seriously, also you can lose to any team.”
