Enzo Maresca has announced that Cole Palmer is ready to play against Arsenal after recovering from a toe fracture. Palmer, who has been sidelined since September, was initially expected to return for the
Burnley match but suffered a setback at home. His early return is a significant boost for Chelsea as they prepare to face the Premier League leaders.
Maresca expressed delight over Palmer's availability, stating, "He is available to start and to play. " The team and fans are thrilled with his return, especially since Palmer has only played 145 minutes across three league matches this season. Despite limited appearances, he managed to score one goal in the 2025-26 season.
1st 2nd pic.twitter.com/Uu991QUaQm Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 27, 2025
In Palmer's absence, several players have stepped up, notably teenager Estevao. Estevao has been impressive for both club and country recently. When asked about the possibility of Estevao and Palmer playing together, Maresca said it depends on the game plan but acknowledged their potential excitement for fans.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared that Leandro Trossard might miss the upcoming match due to an injury sustained during their victory over Bayern Munich. This news adds another layer of intrigue to the clash between these top teams.
Maresca praised Palmer's past performances and expressed confidence in his future contributions. "He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future," Maresca stated. The focus remains on ensuring Palmer regains full fitness while integrating him back into the squad effectively.
The anticipation surrounding Palmer's return highlights his importance to Chelsea's strategy. As they prepare for Arsenal, balancing player fitness and tactical decisions will be crucial for both teams.
