Although Cole Palmer is fit to face Arsenal, he may not return immediately to the starting XI because Enzo Fernandez has taken over his usual attacking role.
According to a report from talkSPORT, Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is fit and available to start against Arsenal this weekend after recovering from a groin injury and a broken toe.
Maresca said: “He is available for both [to start and to play].” and added: “He’s probably our best player … we need to give him time to make sure he’s 100 per cent fit.”
Despite that, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent, Alex Crook, argued that Palmer should not automatically reclaim his place in the starting XI, given the impressive form of Enzo Fernandez in the No. 10 role.
The club has thrived during Palmer’s absence — rising to second in the league and earning a 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League — with several players contributing to the attacking output.
Crook pointed out that Fernandez “in that number 10 position — brilliant the other night against Barcelona” and had two goals ruled out, highlighting that he may have “stolen” Palmer’s spot for now.
As a result, Chelsea fans may have to wait a little longer before seeing Palmer back in his usual starting role, despite his return to full fitness.