Cole Palmer drops huge Chelsea injury update as Enzo Maresca makes Arsenal team news hint

Enzo Maresca only has a day or two with his players on the training pitches before Chelsea return to action. The Blues will welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, knowing a win could prove decisive in the race for Champions League qualification.

If Chelsea snatch three points this weekend then they will go four points clear of the Gunners. The West Londoners head into the clash full of confidence after firing eight past Noah in the Conference League.

While Maresca's side enjoyed a goal fest on Thursday night, the Italian is expected to make wholesale changes. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip.

Palmer injury update

Chelsea appear to have been given a major injury boost ahead of their clash with Arsenal this weekend. Cole Palmer, who's been nursing a knock he picked up during the Blues' 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, was spotted at Stamford Bridge ahead of the Conference League tie against Noah.

The 22-year-old midfielder spared a few minutes to take selfies and sign autographs with the ball boys. Palmer seemed to be moving freely as he walked by the pitch, igniting fresh hope that he'll play on Sunday.

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Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Maresca explained that the England international was unable to train on Tuesday after the injury. The Chelsea boss said: "Cole Palmer was not able to train yesterday, he was not fit. We hope to have him back against Arsenal. We will assess him."

football.london says: "I think Cole Palmer will start against Arsenal. The maestro was subject to a nasty challenge from Lisandro Martinez, so it's understandable why he was given a day off to put his feet up."

Liverpool 'join race' to sign Chelsea target

In an interview with Football Insider, a former Premier League scout revealed that Liverpool have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Milos Kerkez. Speaking on the Bournemouth left-back, Mick Brown said: "Clubs are definitely interested in [Kerkez].

"Chelsea were interested in him last season and that hasn’t gone away, and I’ve heard Liverpool have been keeping an eye on his development too. He’s been important to the way Bournemouth have played and has been really impressive.

"So it doesn’t come as any surprise that some of the top clubs are having a look at him, but Bournemouth won’t be quite so keen to see him leave. He’ll come at a premium because of that.

"And there also seems to be a shortage of top-class left-backs in the game so that ups his price again. But that interest is genuine and he’s one I’ve heard has attracted a lot of admirers."

football.london says: "I'm not convinced Chelsea need to sign Milos Kerkez. Even once the Blues sell Ben Chilwell, Enzo Maresca will still have Renato Veiga deputising Marc Cucurella, who's been superb lately."

Maresca keeps his cards close to his chest

Speaking to TNT Sports after Chelsea's 8-0 win over Noah, Maresca refused to give any secrets away ahead of his side's clash against Arsenal. When asked if any of the players who played on Thursday night could start on Sunday afternoon, the Blues boss said: "We'll see, we'll see."

On Joao Felix, with a grin on his face, Maresca added: "I've said many times I would like to play with Cole, with Joao, with Nkunku – all the attacking players. The problem then is that you have to defend and you need defensive balance. But the important thing is that all of them they are doing well."

football.london says: "I don't think Joao Felix or Christopher Nkunku will start against Arsenal on Sunday. The fact that the former played a full 90 and the latter only came off with 10 minutes or so to go suggests that Cole Palmer's fine."