Enzo Maresca issues Cole Palmer fitness update as Chelsea comeback takes another step

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Evening Standard

·24 Desember 2025

Enzo Maresca issues Cole Palmer fitness update as Chelsea comeback takes another step

Blues talisman is finally back to full fitness after injury and setback

Cole Palmer is finally ready to play 90 minutes for Chelsea, when they host Aston Villa on Saturday, Enzo Maresca has confirmed.

Palmer is still awaiting his first full match since returning from injury earlier in December, following more than two months out.

The England star’s return was complicated further by a freak toe injury he sustained at his home, and his load has been managed in his four appearances since making his comeback.

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A 29-minute substitute cameo against Leeds United was followed by two 58-minute stints before a 79-minute shift against Newcastle last time out, during which he could be seen keeping Maresca updated on his fitness.

But ahead of facing third-place Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Maresca has confirmed Palmer is now fully match fit.

“I think he's ready for 90 minutes, yeah,” the Italian head coach said.

“The progression for a player is 45 [minute], one hour, 70. He already played one hour against Everton. He played more than 70 against Newcastle. I think the progression is there.”

If he did last the full match against Villa, it would be Palmer’s first 90-minute appearance for club or country in more than three months, since the 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on September 17.