“He just needs…” – Enzo Maresca names one thing Cole Palmer still lacks | OneFootball

Chelsea face Bournemouth this afternoon, and the team news shows that Cole Palmer is back to make his first start since the 20th of September.

Before the game, Enzo Maresca spoke about his team selection – including one very notable addition to the team.

Maresca on team selection and Palmer return

Enzo Maresca speaks to Cole Palmer on the pitch. (Photao by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

“I think we have eight or nine players who played when we drew with Arsenal and beat Barcelona so it is six changes [from Leeds] but it is just to try to win the game,” Maresca said of his selection today, which sees Reece James restored to midfield.

“We all had a bad day and there are many things that were wrong but it is gone now, it is another game and we need to be focused on today’s game.”

The headline is that Palmer is back, and the manager was asked whether he was happy about that news:

“Absolutely, it is a good feeling. He is a main player for us and I have said many times that we are a better team with Cole in the team. He just now needs the physical condition and we are happy for him.”

We shouldn’t expect too much from out talisman after so long out, but as one of the league’s great entertainers we are of course desperate to have him back in Blue.

In other news…

Chelsea’s team for today’s game had some interesting changes to it, with Palmer’s addition not the only change for the coach.

Liam Delap is the player who could move out of the team for Cole Palmer, and that’s a move a lot of fans would support. His manager made a defence of him in the press conference yesterday, saying he was sure he would start scoring soon.