Cole Palmer injury update delivered by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ahead of Arsenal clash
Cole Palmer missed Chelsea training this week and there has been concern over whether the Blues will have their star man fit for such a huge game against Arsenal this weekend
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorChelsea boss Enzo Maresca is optimistic that talisman Cole Palmer can feature in their crunch clash against Arsenal on Sunday after picking up a knock against Manchester United last week.
Palmer - Chelsea's top scorer last season with 25 goals - went down injured in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last time out after a poor challenge by Lisandro Martinez, who was lucky not to be sent off.
The England international missed Chelsea training this week and watched on as Maresca's squad demolished European minnows Noah 8-0 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
While Palmer could not have played regardless after not being registered for the club's UEFA Conference League squad, there has been concern over whether the Blues will have their star man fit for such a huge game against Arsenal.
But Maresca has now given a positive update on the 22-year-old, who will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's mouthwatering domestic dust-up with Arsenal in west London.
"Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit," the Italian said at his press conference.
"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 has continued to be hugely influential for Chelsea this season, scoring seven goals and assisting five, so the team would be sure to feel his absence against Arsenal - who are level on points with the Blues.
Other than Jadon Sancho, who is touch and go for the clash, Chelsea don't have any more injuries to fret over, as Maresca said his policy of "protecting" his players with rotation had been justified.
He said: "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."
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been given a huge boost with captain and playmaker Martin Odegaard set to be involved, while Declan Rice is also set to feature despite breaking his toe in last weekend's loss against Newcastle.
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