A special protective boot has the playmaker recovering faster than anticipated, though Sunday’s derby comes too soon.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a mixed update on the fitness of star playmaker Cole Palmer, confirming he will miss this weekend’s crucial match against Arsenal but signaling a return to the pitch is not far off.
Palmer’s recovery has been hampered by an unfortunate setback. After nearly returning from a groin injury sustained in September, the 23-year-old suffered a fractured toe in what was described as a “bizarre accident” at home last week.
This new injury initially ruled him out of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona and the upcoming Premier League showdown with Arsenal. However, Maresca struck an optimistic tone, revealing the club has fitted Palmer with a custom-made boot to protect his left foot and speed up his healing.
“We don’t know the exact day, but for sure it will be soon,” Maresca told reporters on Monday. “He’s already back on the pitch, he’s already touching the ball, and the feeling is good.”
When pressed directly on whether a surprise appearance against Arsenal was possible, the manager was clear: “I don’t think so at the moment.”
With Palmer sidelined, attention turns to who might step up in his absence. One candidate is 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estêvão, who has made a promising start to his Chelsea career. His early performances have led some fans to compare him to Barcelona’s Spanish sensation, Lamine Yamal.
Maresca, however, urged caution with such comparisons, focusing instead on the teenager’s own development.
“He is going to be an important player for this club, no doubt,” Maresca stated. “The most important thing for Estêvão is that he has to enjoy himself fully, he has to be happy. He shouldn’t think about being better than this player or that player, but only focus on himself.”
The manager praised Estêvão’s current level, noting he is already in Brazil’s senior national team setup, but emphasized there is still room for growth.
“For me, it’s the same thing I said about Pedri,” Maresca added. “It is nice for people who love football to watch players like Estêvão, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri—this is the beauty of the game. We are happy Estêvão is with us and for sure he is going to do well.”
Similar Posts:
- Cole Palmer Cleared for Arsenal Clash After Toe Injury Scare
- Palmer’s Chelsea Comeback Derailed by Freak Toe Injury
- Palmer Cleared for Full Match as Key Chelsea Trio Return for Vital Villa Clash
- Chelsea’s New Signing Estevao Hailed as Best Brazilian Since Neymar
- Injury Blow for Chelsea as Striker Liam Delap Sidelined for Weeks
