Chelsea’s Maresca provides Palmer update ahead of Arsenal

Enzo Maresca has provided an update on the fitness of Cole Palmer ahead of this weekend’s London Derby with Arsenal.

Palmer has not trained with Chelsea this week after sustaining an injury from a poor challenge from Lisandro Martinez, during last weekend’s draw at Manchester United.

Ahead of facing Arsenal, the 22-year-old’s potential absence would be a major blow for the Blues, with Palmer having scored seven goals and laid on five assists in the Premier League this season.

Maresca has provided a positive update on last season’s Chelsea Player of the Year, however, with the Italian outlining his hope that Palmer can train tomorrow. Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

“He’s better. He’s getting better. If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn’t mean he is completely fit,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.

“He’s getting better. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision.”

On facing Arsenal, Maresca said he believes the Gunners are alongside Manchester City as the best team in the Premier League.

“For sure, they are the closest one with City. Both, I consider them better than the rest.

“The reason why is because one club is working with the same manager for nine years, and the other one is working with the same manager for five years, and this is a big, big, big advantage compared to the rest. So for me, that’s why they are better than the rest. But we’re going to try on Sunday to make life difficult for them. We’re going to try our best.”

Chelsea head into this weekend’s game after an 8-0 thrashing of FC Noah in the Europa Conference League. The result was a record scoreline in the competition.

Arsenal arrive in West London on a poor run of form and have not won in the Premier League since October 5th.

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