Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is fit to face Arsenal after injury setbacks, while both teams manage other significant player availability challenges ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that attacking midfielder Cole Palmer is available for selection to face Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend, according to a report from Bobby Vincent and Kieran Horn in football.london.
Palmer’s return is a significant boost for the Blues, as the England international has not played since Saturday, September 20.
His absence was initially due to a groin issue that plagued him early in the season, which was compounded by a fractured toe suffered in a “freak accident at home” just as he was set for a return.
Maresca had previously provided updates on Palmer’s progress, noting: “We don’t know when, but for sure, it will be soon. He is already on the pitch, touching the ball, and the feeling is good.”
However, the manager had not expected the player to be available in the immediate term, stating: “I don’t think [he will be available] at the moment” prior to the official confirmation.
Confirming the midfielder’s readiness, Maresca simply said: “He [Palmer] is available for both [to start and to play].”
The squad is also set to be bolstered by the return of Dario Essugo to training after a long absence.
However, the club continues to manage other injuries, with Levi Colwill remaining a long-term absentee and Romeo Lavia having suffered a fresh injury earlier this month, with clarity on his return still unclear.