Cole Palmer has only played three games in the current Premier League season. The Chelsea star was initially sidelined with groin problems and then broke his little toe. Now he is set to make his comeback in time for the top match against Arsenal.
Originally, Chelsea officials had expected Cole Palmer to miss at least the game against Arsenal with his broken toe, which he sustained when he kicked a door at home. But on Friday, Blues coach Enzo Maresca announced the good news at a press conference: “Palmer is available.” And he’s even available for the starting lineup.
A few weeks ago, the coach described the attacking midfielder’s injury as not serious but painful. Now, the healing process has progressed faster than expected, which could give the team, currently in second place in the Premier League and winners of 3-0 against Barcelona in the Champions League this week, a further boost: “His teammates are happy, we are all happy. But the most important thing is that Cole is happy. He needs to play games,“ said Maresca.
Palmer could be the missing piece of the puzzle in the title race
However, the coach did not want to talk about the Blues’ title ambitions yet, because it is still too early: ”It’s important that we are where we are now in March/April.” With Palmer, the crucial piece of the puzzle may be back to make Chelsea a serious contender for the Premier League title: “He’s probably our best player. We’re glad he’s back. We have to give him time to get back to 100 percent fitness. He’s done fantastic things in the past and there’s no doubt he’ll do that again in the future.”
Sunday evening’s London derby against the Gunners (5:30 p.m.) will show whether Chelsea FC is ready to compete at the top. Arsenal FC is the team of the moment in the Premier League and the Champions League. In their last 16 competitive games, Mikel Arteta’s team has recorded 14 wins and two draws. They currently have a six-point lead over the Blues in the Premier League.
Maresca is also aware that this game will be a real test for his team: “Arsenal defend fantastically. Every team has problems scoring goals against them – even creating chances. And they have real weapons in attack. They are top of the Premier League and the Champions League.” With Palmer’s help, the Blues will try to inflict Arsenal’s first defeat since August at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
