Chelsea’s “Best Player” Returns as Blues Look to Close Gap on London Rivals
In a major boost for Chelsea, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that midfielder Cole Palmer is fit and available for this weekend’s crucial Premier League clash against league-leading Arsenal.
Palmer’s return had been in doubt after the 23-year-old suffered a fractured toe by stubbing it on a door during the night. This freak accident had further delayed his comeback after a groin injury had already limited his playing time this season.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Maresca put any concerns to rest, stating plainly, “He is available to start and to play.”
The news has been a welcome relief for the entire squad. “Everyone is happy, the teammates are happy, we are all happy,” Maresca said. “And the most important thing is Cole is happy because a footballer wants to play games.”
The return of Palmer, whom Maresca described as “our best player,” is a significant moment for Chelsea. The England international has managed only four appearances in all competitions this campaign, scoring twice. Since his arrival from Manchester City in 2023, he has been a key creative force, racking up an impressive 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 matches for the West London club.
“We need to give him time to be 100% fit,” Maresca cautioned. “He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future.”
Currently sitting second in the table with 23 points from 12 games, Chelsea have a chance to close the six-point gap on their London rivals. However, Maresca is tempering title talk, regardless of Saturday’s result.
“Too early in any case, if we win or don’t,” he said. “It’s still the end of November, still five, six months to go. It becomes more important in February, March.”
While acknowledging the team is in a better place than at this stage last season, the manager remained cautious. “I think it is for sure different to one year ago… but it is still very early. It’s important to be where we are now in March, April, and then we will see.”
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