Enzo Maresca has given an update on the fitness of Cole Palmer ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League clash against Noah at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer was not included in the squad list for the group stage of the competition this season as the Blues look to manage the young star’s minutes, but with Arsenal on the horizon for this weekend, the club face a wait to find out whether he will be able to feature against Mikel Arteta’s side.
The 22-year-old was the recipient of a high challenge from Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez in stoppage time of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford over the weekend. VAR checked the incident but decided not to overrule referee Rob Jones’ initial decision of a yellow card for Martinez.
Maresca, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League clash with Noah where Palmer is ineligible, said: “Cole didn’t train yesterday. We will see today if he is able to train with us.
“[Will he be fit to face Arsenal?] We hope so. But we need to see and then decide.”
Palmer has been in fine form this season for the Blues, scoring seven goals and notching another five assists in 10 Premier League appearances. He also played a huge part in Chelsea’s opening goal in their win over Newcastle, hitting a sensational pass for Pedro Neto, who squared it to Nicolas Jackson to convert.
Maresca was asked whether it would be a risk to play Palmer on Sunday, and replied: “Yeah, for sure. We said he didn’t train the last two days. We’ll see.
“The tackle was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back.”
