Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Chelsea's PL clash against Arsenal
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer is still getting better and is not fully fit ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday, November 10. Maresca is hoping the Englishman can get at least one training session under his belt ahead of the Stamford Bridge showdown.
Speaking to the media after the Blues' 8-0 UEFA Conference League win over FC Noah, Maresca confirmed that Palmer remains doubtful for the Arsenal game. He revealed the decision on his availability will only be taken on Saturday, saying (via football.london):
"He's better. He's getting better. If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn't mean he is completely fit. He's getting better. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision."
When asked about the upcoming match, he added:
"We're always looking for something different, no matter if it's Arsenal or another team, to see how we can attack and defend in the right way. We did that this season against any team. For sure, Arsenal is the closest one to the best team in England, that is City. But we're going to try to do our game, prepare in the best way we can and try to win."
Chelsea and Arsenal are set to face off at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Both teams go into the game level on points – 18 after 10 Premier League matches and sit seven points behind leaders Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca looking forward to Chelsea vs Arsenal
Enzo Maresca admitted to being nervous about Chelsea's continental clash against FC Noah. He believed that it could have been tricky for the Blues but his players managed to come out with a resounding 8-0 win. He said (via football.london):
"You don't know how worried I was tonight against this team. I try to take all the games in the same way - serious, preparing in the best way, how we can attack good, how we can defend good. I try to take all the games in the same way. Tonight, I was very worried because this is the one that it's easy to drop because mentally, you are not ready when you have to be ready.
"If you ask me, in the next two games, which one do you want to win? For sure, I want to win both. But if I have to take one, I take the next one. Also, because in two games, we play Leicester away and I feel very close to them!"
While Chelsea sweat on the fitness of Cole Palmer, Arsenal have their own issue with Declan Rice. The midfielder has a broken toe, and could end up missing the all-important game.