Enzo Maresca confirms double Chelsea injury boost ahead of blockbuster Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Chelsea are gearing up for the most anticipated London derby of the season as they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues have been handed a massive double injury boost ahead of the top-of-the-table six-pointer, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming that Cole Palmer is fit and ready to start.

Chelsea are still buzzing from their fantastic 3-0 Champions League win against Barcelona in midweek.

However, the Blues now have to shift their focus to a high-stakes London derby at the Bridge, which could have a telling impact on the title race.

Chelsea will welcome the league leaders to the Bridge with six points separating the two sides.

Maresca has maintained that his target for the season is a top-four finish, but a win for the Blues automatically puts them in the title race.

Chelsea are hoping to end their seven-match winless streak against the Gunners, and Palmer’s return gives Maresca more ammunition against one of the best teams in the world.

Palmer has been out of the loop since mid-September. While Maresca has confirmed that he’s ready to feature from the jump, he has called for time to get Palmer back to full fitness.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: “Yes, Cole [Palmer] is available for both [to play and to start]. Having Cole back is good news, and everyone is happy.

“He can help us a lot. He is probably our best player, and we are happy he is back.

“Now we have 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 things for this club in the future.”

Maresca also confirmed that Dario Essugo is back in training and close to full fitness.

The 20-year-old midfielder has hardly kicked a ball for Chelsea since joining from Sporting CP due to injuries, but has returned to boost Maresca’s options in midfield.

“We are looking okay [after Barcelona],” Maresca said. “Dario Essugo also took part of the session this morning, which is good news too.”