“I don’t know” – Enzo Maresca unable to answer Cole Palmer question | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has revealed Cole Palmer is ready to play from the start against Bournemouth, but isn’t sure if he can play 90 minutes.

The 23-year-old made his first appearance since the defeat against Manchester United in September, when he came on as a second half substitute against Leeds on Wednesday night.

Palmer has been plagued by a groin issue this season, which caused him problems at the Club World Cup, but he’s now back and needs to build his fitness up.

Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer

In Palmer’s absence Chelsea have done reasonably well, but they are a far better team with their star man playing.

Palmer adds an X factor to the attack that has been missing at times this season, but it will take him a bit of time to get back up to speed.

Palmer returned to action against Leeds on Wednesday. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Chelsea have found a way to get results without Palmer which is a positive, but he’s one of very few players who can win a game on their own.

Having played against Leeds, it will be interesting to see if Palmer starts against Bournemouth, and Maresca has stated he is ready to play from the off.

“I don’t know [if he can play] 90 minutes, but Cole is ready to play from the start,” he said as quote by Chelsea’s official website.

Reece James working towards three games a week

Whilst Palmer needs to build his fitness back up, Reece James is currently enjoying his longest injury free spell in a number of years.

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The 25-year-old has put in some superb performances this season, and has been playing twice a week, something Chelsea fans could only have dreamed of when he was consistently picking up injuries.

Maresca has revealed James is now working his way up to playing three games a week, which will be huge for both him and Chelsea.