Chelsea have Cole Palmer in the starting lineup to face Arsenal.
Palmer was left with stud marks on his left knee following a wild late lunge from Lisandro Martinez at Manchester United last weekend.
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He was unable to train in the week but Enzo Maresca has him available, in a major boost.
Palmer was on Thursday named in the England squad for next week’s games against Greece and Ireland, suggesting his injury is not too serious.
And speaking after Thursday’s 8-0 Conference League win over Noah, Maresca said: “Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit.
“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.”
Joao Felix therefore has to settle for a place on the bench, while Jadon Sancho is still not ready to make the squad.
Speaking on Wednesday, said Maresca: “He [Sancho] is recovering from [illness]. He had a knock in the session. We will see if he is available [against Arsenal] or after the international break.”
Maresca made 11 changes against Noah and has brought back his big guns for what is a huge game against Arsenal.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Subs: Jorgensen, James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Veiga, Fernandez, Joao Felix, Mudryk, Nkunku
Time and date: 4:30pm GMT, Sunday, 10 November, 2024
Venue: Stamford Bridge
