In Sunday’s Premier League London derby against Arsenal, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca wants to have Cole Palmer fully recovered from his knee injury sustained in last weekend’s draw with Manchester United.
In 10 Premier League games this season, Palmer has scored seven goals and provided five assists, helping Chelsea move up to fourth place in the standings.
Palmer hasn’t trained this week, but he wasn’t included in Chelsea’s Conference League group stage team, so he didn’t participate in Thursday’s 8-0 victory over Noah.
“Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit,” Maresca said.
“He is getting better and we still have two days to prepare for the game. Hopefully, we can have him for a session – at least on Saturday – and then we take a decision.”
As Liverpool and Manchester City surge ahead, Arsenal is tied with Chelsea on 18 points as the north London team tries to break out of a rut and establish a presence in the title fight.
“I like to get pressure from these kinds of games.
” The pressure is also for us. For sure, they are the closest one with City. Both I consider better than the rest,” Maresca said.
“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.
This is a big advantage compared to the rest.
“But we’re going to try to make life difficult for them on Sunday.”
Prior to Maresca taking over, Arsenal defeated Chelsea 5-0 in their most recent encounter, and the Italian stated he is cautious of their set-piece danger.
“Mentally it will be very tough. Set pieces, they are very good.
” I watched the Champions League game against Inter Milan and every corner was smelling of a goal,” Maresca said.
