Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed live on Sky Sports that Cole Palmer is fit to start when Chelsea play Arsenal on Sunday.
The forward has been sidelined for 10 weeks with a recurring groin problem, and a fractured toe at home meant his return to action was later than originally planned.
Palmer has not played 90 minutes since scoring in a 3-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich on September 17 and has started just two Premier League games all season.
Asked if Palmer would play Sunday and if he would be available from the start, Maresca said, “He can go either way.”
“It’s good news for both parties. Everyone is happy, his teammates are happy (that he’s back). The most important thing is that Cole is happy. Football players want to play.”
Cole Palmer out for 10 weeks due to injury but ready to return
“They can play together. It depends on which team they play and the game plan. But they are definitely excited and the fans are excited to see both of them together,” Maresca added in a statement on Tuesday regarding the possibility of Estevao and Palmer, scorers in the 3-0 win over Barcelona, working together.
“We are excited, but there always needs to be a balance between the two phases.”
Chelsea have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Arsenal, and are without a win in seven games dating back to August 2021.
Sunday’s clash will be the fifth time the Gunners have faced second-placed Chelsea, who are six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Asked how this result could affect the title race, Maresca said: “In any case, it’s too early.
Sunday, November 30th 4pm
4:30pm kickoff
“Whether we win or not, it’s too early. It’s already November, but there’s still six months left. Where we are in February and March is very important, and from there we’ll make a decision and see if we can achieve something important.”
Asked about Chelsea’s resilience in big games, he added: “It’s different than a year ago, because we’ve had another year together and we’ve had some learning moments. It’s very fast for me. It’s important to be where we are in April. Then we’ll see.”
“These players have shown time and time again that they can win teams. We compete all the time, but sometimes we win and sometimes we don’t. We’re moving in the right direction.”
Can Palmer raise Chelsea’s level?
Can Cole Palmer and Estevao take Chelsea to new heights?
Laura Hunter on Sky Sports:
Enzo Maresca repeatedly said in the press room that Cole Palmer was his best player. Over the past few seasons, he has had to respond to accusations that Palmer is his only player. Regardless, he is the only player capable of reaching a sufficient level of quality and consistency at the top end of the Premier League.
In that sense, the break was good for both Palmer himself and the Chelsea team. It has fostered a different belief that games are not won or lost solely on Palmer’s performance. You are being given a chance. He’s pleading with others to step up.
But perhaps the biggest change will be seen mentally. Chelsea have already beaten Liverpool this season and more recently beat Barcelona without Palmer, and Estevao has been the hero of both. That may or may not have been possible if he had played with Palmer.
Maresca also said he was excited to see the returning Palmer pair up with Brazilian rising star Estebao, with both players set to start against Arsenal this weekend. Clearly, the Blues can’t afford to put up too much of a fight against the league leaders, who have lost just three of their last 40 London derbies, but Maresca is understandably keen on having two of his best young talents take Chelsea to the next level. This partnership could be fireworks.
Watch Chelsea vs Arsenal live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4pm on Sunday. Kickoff 4:30pm
