finally, Enzo Maresca gives update on Cole Palmer’s fitness after missing Chelsea training yesterday
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea fans across the globe were left biting their nails after the dramatic end to their recent clash with Manchester United. Although the match concluded in a 1-1 draw, the sight of Cole Palmer hobbling off the pitch raised serious concerns. A brutal tackle from Lisandro Martinez, which astonishingly avoided a red card, left the young England international needing ice on his knee post-game, sparking fears about his availability for the upcoming showdown against Arsenal.
Palmer was notably absent from first-team training yesterday, though his absence in the upcoming Conference League game was already expected, given that he isn’t registered in Chelsea’s squad for the group stage.
Enzo Maresca, however, is cautiously optimistic about Palmer’s prospects for Arsenal. During his pre-match press conference, Maresca refrained from ruling Palmer out entirely, though he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his fitness.
“Cole didn’t train yesterday. We’ll see today if he can join us. We’re hopeful,” Maresca commented. “The tackle was unusual, quite aggressive, so there’s definitely a risk. But we’re assessing, and we’ll make the call.”
If Palmer is sidelined, it could open the door for Joao Felix, who’s yet to start in a Premier League game since his summer return. This might be Felix’s opportunity to shine at Stamford Bridge and prove his worth as a reliable replacement, especially with Maresca hinting at the potential for both Felix and Palmer to share the pitch in future tactics.
Palmer’s absence would undoubtedly be a blow, but it could also be the chance for other players to step up and leave their mark on the team’s lineup.
