Chelsea: Cole Palmer fit to face Aston Villa but Malo Gusto and Raheem Sterling ruled out

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer is fit to face Aston Villa on Saturday.

The forward missed the 5-0 defeat at Arsenal due it illness but is ready for the weekend clash with the Champions League-chasing Villans.

However, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Reece James and now Raheem Sterling are not fit.

Asked about Colwill and James, Pochettino said: "They are not available yet. They are close. They were doing partial training, but they are not available.

“We assume that Cole will be part of the squad tomorrow ... Sterling suffered pain in his lower back.”

Carney Chukwuemeka has also joined the injury last, a day after it was confirmed Enzo Fernandez has undergone surgery to end his season early.

On the pair, Pochettino said: “Carney felt something in his knee related to his problem before. We hope it is not a big issue and can be available as soon as possible.”He added: “[Fernandez] feels the pain and he feels the limitations because of the problem.

“The most important thing is to fix the problem for him. If he cannot perform because of the situation then it is not good for him or the club.”