Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is in a race to be fit for the London derby against Arsenal this weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League fixture versus FC Noah, Maresca said he is not sure whether the midfielder will face the Gunners:
“He didn’t train yesterday. So we’ll see today if he’s able to train with us. We hope so, but we need to wait, we need to see, then we’ll decide. Yes [it’s a risk]. He didn’t train the last few days, the tackle was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back.”
Fans on X are keeping their fingers crossed that Palmer will be available for a key game:
Hope he is fine
— Sommy (@AUmeluo33720) November 6, 2024
Fingers crossed for Cole’s recovery! Hope he’s fit for Arsenal. Palmer’s presence really matters a lot ❤
— Tom Hamilton (@Tom210604) November 6, 2024
Palmer’s availability is crucial for arsenal clash
— Crazy Viral Vids (@crazy_vira77745) November 6, 2024
He better be fit bro
— Rulez (@lukeobinna54) November 6, 2024
Lord please heal Cole Palmer for us🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Mr Carter (@Mrcarter_lee) November 6, 2024
Let him heal well
— Keren’s draft (@kerensdraft) November 6, 2024
Palmer is still feeling the effects of Martinez’s reckless challenge
As Maresca mentions, Palmer is sidelined with a knee problem that he sustained when Lisandro Martinez caught him during the 1-1 draw against Manchester United last Sunday.
The Argentinian international got away with a booking but many feel VAR should have stepped in and handed him a red card.
Chelsea do have a good replacement
Joao Felix will start against FC Noah and Maresca was effusive in his praise for the Portuguese international during the build-up to the match.
The Italian even went as far as to say he regrets not giving the player more minutes in the Premier League but, if Palmer isn’t available for the Arsenal fixture, Felix may well get his chance.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
