Sports
Cole Palmer fit to make return against Arsenal
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer is fit and available to face Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
Palmer, 23, has only made three appearances in the league all season thanks to injury and broke his toe in an accident at home last week.
But Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says the England man is now fit and called him the club’s ‘best player.’
“He is available to start and to play,” Maresca said.
“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.
“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.”
Palmer has made just four appearances for Chelsea this season, last playing in a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on 20 September.
Palmer scored 22 Premier League goals in his first season with Chelsea and added 15 more last season.
Being called the club’s best player suggests Palmer will slot straight back into the side, with Maresca suggesting he can play in the same team as Estevao.
The teenager has been in fine form of late, scoring a wonderful goal against Barcelona in midweek, and will be hard to displace.
“They can play together, but it depends on the game plan,” Maresca said.
“For sure they are exciting. Fans are excited. We also are excited. We need always a balance between the two.”
