Chelsea boost as Cole Palmer in contention for Arsenal showdown despite injury worry
Enzo Maresca is optimistic about the fitness of Cole Palmer in the build-up to Chelsea’s London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.
Palmer was left with stud marks in his knee from a wild challenge by Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez last weekend that resulted in him limping out of Old Trafford.
The attacker is not in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad, but still attended Stamford Bridge on Thursday night for the victory over FC Noah.
Palmer has been included in the England squad for the forthcoming internationals against Greece, in Athens, and Ireland at Wembley.
The 22-year-old looked in good health when he visited the press room to fetch some pre-match dinner before the Noah game and asked if that indicated Palmer should be fit to face Arsenal, Maresca said: “He’s better. He’s getting better.
“If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn’t mean he is completely fit! He’s getting better. Hopefully, we can have him for the [training] session at least on Saturday and then we can make a decision.”
Declan Rice is preparing to try to play through the pain barrier for Arsenal at Stamford Bridge after breaking a toe in the 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United last week.
Maresca seeking statement win
Arsenal have lost three of their last six games and Maresca would like his young Chelsea team to deliver a statement win after losing to Manchester City and Liverpool, and drawing with United, despite good performances.
“For sure, I would like to win this kind of game,” said Maresca. “But since we started, I’ve always said the same – that for sure I analyse the result but first of all, I analyse the performance. And do you think we deserved to lose against Liverpool?
“But it’s football. Now, hopefully, we can win Sunday, we can win that kind of game. But also, in this competition, in the Premier League, it’s difficult to win against any team.
“For sure, if I can decide, I would like to win against Arsenal on Sunday, no doubt. But, also, Liverpool away, the performance was very good, we didn’t deserve to lose. Even City.
“The good thing is that we are there. We are there, and you cannot see a big difference when we play these kinds of games. This is the most important thing.
“I don’t have any doubt if it’s Sunday or if it’s the next game but for sure, we’re going be there and win this kind of game. No doubt.”
