Cole Palmer set for Chelsea return against Arsenal | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer is fit and available to start against Arsenal on Sunday.

The attacker has not played for the Blues since September because of a groin problem, before fracturing a toe when he was nearing a return to action.

But Maresca says the 23-year-old is set to be involved when they take on the league leaders.

“Everyone is happy, the teammates 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 Blues boss said.

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

When asked about Palmer and Estevao playing together he added,

“They can play together, but depends on the game plan.

“For sure they are exciting. Fans excited. We also are excited. We need always balance between two.”

Palmer would be a key weapon against Arsenal who have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League at six so far. On Arsenal’s defence Maresca said,

“For sure they defend fantastic. Many teams against them struggle to score goals, even create chances.

“They defend very well. Then ruthless when attacking. At the moment they are top in Premier League and Champions League and we will try our best to win the game.”

Inserting Palmer so quickly and in such a big game is a risk however, especially when Chelsea have won 10 of their 13 games without their number 10. Maresca was positive about the state of his team regardless of whether Palmer will start.

“Mindset and mood at the moments for us is very good. We are doing quite good in Premier League. Quite good in Champions League. We are improving and growing and that is the best feeling for us,” he said.

“Premier League last year we had some good moments against good teams. This season, we compete always. Sometime can win, sometimes can’t, but important we compete against any team.”