Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has announced that Cole Palmer is fully fit and ready for Sunday’s crucial showdown against Arsenal.
Palmer, 23, has endured an injury-disrupted campaign which has limited him to just four appearances in all competitions this season.
The England international recently returned from a groin injury which kept him out of action since the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September, but injured his toe in a home accident which then ruled him out of the last two matches against Burnley and Barcelona.
Speaking ahead of the clash against the league leaders in the London derby on Sunday, Maresca confirmed the news which is a major boost to the club.
He is available to start and to play.”
He added: “Yes, everyone is happy, the team-mates are happy, we are all happy and the most important thing is Cole is happy because a footballer wants to play games and make the sessions every day.”
The Blues have performed brilliantly in the absence of their talisman, but will be greatly buoyed by his return to action.
Palmer scored twice in two consecutive matches, against Brentford and Bayern Munich before going off injured against Manchester United.
He is our best player, we are happy he is back, we need to give him time to be 100% fit. He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future.”
Chelsea are currently second on the EPL standings with 23 points, six behind early leaders Arsenal after just 12 matches.
However, they are winless in their last seven games against the Gunners, while their last win at the Stamford Bridge in this fixture came back in 2018.
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