Maresca revealed today that Cole Palmer will be fit and ready to face Arsenal this weekend, a big bolster to Chelsea’s chances. Palmer has not featured for the blues since their 2-1 loss against Manchester United but could make his return this Sunday.
This loss was the first and last time this season that Chelsea fans got to watch Estevao Willian and Palmer in the same starting XI. Their excitement would only last six minutes though as the Brazilian was substituted with an injury.
Things only got worse for the west London side as Palmer hobbled off with an injury just 15 minutes later, the 2023-2024 young player of the season faced another setback in recent weeks too as he broke his toe.
Maresca who has been smiling all week since the 3-0 win against Barcelona, was grinning from ear to ear today when asked how worried Premier League defences should be at the prospect of Palmer and Estevao.
The Italian boss said, “They are both very excited, the fans are excited, and we are also excited to watch the both play together.”
It’s not just Estevao, the fans and coaching staff that are delighted to see Palmer back but his colleagues are too according to the Chelsea boss.
“Everyone is happy. Cole’s teammates are happy we are all very happy and the most important thing is that Cole is also happy”
There is certainly a feel-good factor around Chelsea at the moment as the side sit second in the Premier League just six points of Arsenal. The ultimate definition of a real six pointer and one that both teams really can’t afford to lose.
Despite Chelsea flirting with the idea of being champions of England, Maresca still insists that they can’t get ahead of themselves mirroring his stance on the matter from last year.
“It’s a little bit different from last year as we have spent more time together, then again for me it’s still very early we are only at the end of November it’s important to ask this question again in March or April then we can see”
Right now, it is only really Arsenal that stand in the way of completing this feat. The Gunners have scored 10 set pieces this season in the Premier League which is closely followed by Maresca’s Chelsea with eight.
With set pieces becoming sexy again in the Premier League the Italian manager was posed the question whether his side have emphasized set pieces more on the training ground. Maresca shook his head and stated they still spend the same time as last year on set pieces with no extra work.
So a battle of the best sides attacking set pieces commences, more importantly a clash between the two best teams in the league this season, awaits.
