
Cole Palmer is available for Chelsea’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal this weekend.
The Blues host the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with just six points separating the old rivals with Chelsea currently occupying second place.
Enzo Maresca’s side have picked up form, heading into this fixture with a thrilling 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Palmer had been expected to be back in the team for that game only for a freak injury to wreck those plans last week.
Having been limited to just three Premier League appearances this term due to a chronic groin injury, the England international fractured his toe after stubbing it off a door at home.
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It ruled him out of last week’s win over Burnley and the Barcelona game but there was hope this week with Palmer spotted back in training.
The former Manchester City star has also been wearing a specially designed boot to aid his recovery from this latest setback.
Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Maresca confirmed his talisman is ‘available’ for the trip to north London.
”He is available for both,’ Maresca said, when asked if Palmer would start or feature on the bench.
‘Good news for both.’
Maresca continued: ‘Everyone is happy. The teammates are happy, we are all happy. The most important thing is that Cole is happy, he needs to play games.’
Chelsea will remain without Romeo Lavia who is also nursing a latest setback with Dario Essugo not expected to return until next year.
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Estevao had another breakout moment in Chelsea blue on Tuesday night with a dazzling performance against Barcelona.
After his second-half goal, the Brazil international required medical treatment from Chelsea staff later in the game before he was taken off in the 83rd minute.
Estevao didn’t appear to be carrying a knock as he left the pitch with Maresca sharing no lingering injury concerns on Friday.
‘It’s always good that the ones who start and play do the right things,’ Maresca said of the Brazilian’s recent form.
‘They give me a doubt always for the next games and that’s good. It’s a good problem for the manager always.’