Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is fit and available to face Arsenal on Sunday.
Arsenal traveled across London as league leaders. They have 29 points after 12 matches, six more than the Blues, who are in second place. The ambition will be to reduce that gap.
Maresca confirmed that Palmer – who has not played since mid-September – is available for Sunday’s Premier League clash with the Gunners, and could even start the game.
‘Yes, Cole is available both (to play and to start),’ the Italian told the media gathered in Cobham.
‘We are looking fine (after Barcelona). Dario Assugo also took part in the session this morning, which is good news.
Estévo Willian shone against the La Liga side over the weekend and earned the Player of the Match award from fans on the Chelsea official app after his spectacular strike in a 3-0 win.
Maresca was asked by reporters about fans’ excitement to see the Brazilian teenager partnering Palmer, with the Italian hinting at that possibility, while also highlighting how happy everyone is to see the England international return after a September injury.
“It’s good news to have Cole back and everyone is happy,” Maresca said.
‘The fans are happy, his team-mates are happy and most importantly Cole is happy (to be back) because at the end of the day, players want to play games and have training sessions every day.
‘He can help us a lot. He’s probably our best player and we’re glad he’s back. Now we have to give him time to be 100 percent fit. He has performed brilliantly in the past and there is no doubt that he will do great things for this club in the future.
When asked about the possibility of Estevao and Palmer playing together, he said: ‘Yes, they can play together. It depends on which team and the game plan, but fans are definitely excited to see the two together. We are also excited to think that in the end we always need a balance between the two phases (on and off the ball).
Another big game awaits the Blues at Stamford Bridge, with Arsenal – top in the Premier League – coming hot on the heels of Barcelona.
However, Maresca welcomes these fixtures, and is hoping to repeat the result on Sunday before focusing on the next big game.
‘I said after (Barcelona) it’s another big game on Sunday,’ he said. ‘We finished a match against Barcelona, as you say, we won and it was a good feeling. Now we have another one.
‘For me, those are all important games. Of course, it’s good to beat Barcelona and if we are able to beat Arsenal, it’s a good feeling. But in the end it’s three points and then on Wednesday we have Leeds which is another three points. We will try our best to beat Arsenal and then we will see.
The Chelsea Foundation will host a ‘Magic of Blue’ collection point for supporters to donate gifts at the Britannia Gate ahead of Chelsea vs Arsenal. All gifts must be in their original packaging and we cannot accept food or beverages. Items welcome to donate include:
– soft cozy blanket
– Unisex warm socks/slipper socks (with grip bottoms)
– gloves/mitts/hat/scarf
– Craft kits/puzzles/crossword books
– Photo Album/Notebook/2026 Diary & Calendar
– Christmas decorations
Supporters are also able to donate money to help people experiencing loneliness ChelseaFC.com/MagicOfBlueSo help support the Chelsea FC Foundation by donating or sharing it with your friends,
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