Enzo Maresca has given the latest update on Cole Palmer’s fitness ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming London derby against Arsenal.
The Blues will host Mikel Arteta’s side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, looking to secure three crucial points in the Premier League.
Palmer was unavailable for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League match against Noah, as he had not been registered for the group stage.
However, he was present at Stamford Bridge to watch his teammates deliver an impressive 8-0 victory and to sample the food in the press area.
As the team prepares for the weekend, Palmer and the rest of the Chelsea squad will reconvene at Cobham today.
Maresca is optimistic that the 22-year-old will participate in either today’s or tomorrow’s training sessions, potentially making him available for Sunday’s match against Arsenal.
Maresca said: “Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit.
“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.”
In four of Chelsea’s last five games, Maresca has made wholesale changes to the starting XI, with Pedro Neto being the only player to retain his place following the victory against Panathinaikos.
The Blues have benefitted from the rotation throughout the campaign, and with more changes likely for the upcoming visit of the Gunners, the head coach has emphasized the importance of carefully managing the squad
“At this moment, we are quite lucky we don’t have injuries, so we have 24 or 25 players available and we can choose,” noted Enzo Maresca.
“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.
“We protect the players in this moment, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen all season because there will be a moment where we have injuries or we need to change things.”
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