Chelsea handed major Palmer boost ahead of Arsenal showdown | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is ready to start against Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend.

The two London rivals meet in a top of the table clash on Sunday, with kick off set for 4.30pm at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer has missed the last two months of action with a groin injury he sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September. He was expected to return sooner, but suffered a suspected broken toe earlier this month, prolonging his absence from the first team.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer ‘available to start’ against Arsenal

The playmaker has only made four appearances in all competitions this season as a result, but Maresca told reporters on Friday that he is “available to start and to play”.

“Yes, everyone is happy, the team-mates are happy, we are all happy and the most important thing is Cole is happy because a footballer wants to play games and make the sessions every day,” the Italian said in his pre-match press conference.

“He is our best player, we are happy he is back, we need to give him time to be 100 per cent fit. He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future.”

Estevao Willian has stolen the spotlight in Palmer’s absence, particularly after his stellar performance against Barcelona in midweek. Both players prefer to operate on the right, but Maresca says they can both fit in the same lineup.

“They can play together, but depends on the game plan,” the Chelsea boss said. “For sure they are exciting. Fans excited. We also are excited. We need always balance between two.”

Maresca added that Estevao’s form has given him a selection headache. “It’s always good when the ones that start and play do the right thing. Good because they give me doubt for next games. Important that they play good when they have the chance. Good problem for a manager, always.”

Read – Talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

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