COLE PALMER has given another hint at his fitness levels ahead of Chelsea’s crunch clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
Palmer, 22, is fighting to be fit for the London derby after picking up a knee injury against Manchester United last weekend.
The attacking midfielder has been unable to train this week and is still nursing the knock he picked up in a battle with United defender Lisandro Martinez.
And Palmer has now given fans an update on his battle to return to the pitch.
The star posted a picture to his Instagram of him wearing a “Game Ready” therapy wrap, used for cold and hot therapy in aiding recovery, while on the physio table at Cobham.
Fans had been buoyed by Palmer seemingly moving freely at Stamford Bridge on Thursday when he was in attendance to watch his team-mates batter FC Noah 8-0 in the Uefa Conference League.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Palmer, who isn’t part of the Blues’ Conference League squad, watched from the sidelines and spent much of the pre-match in the press room enjoying some dinner.
But Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has dampened the excitement from fans, claiming it’s not proof that he is now injury-free.
Speaking after his side sunk Noah with a flood of goals, he said: “He’s better. He’s getting better.
“If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn’t mean he is completely fit.
Most read in Football
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
“‘He is getting better and we still have two days to prepare for the game.
“Hopefully, we can have him for a session – at least on Saturday – and then we take a decision.”
Palmer has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, racking up 12 goal contributions in just 10 league appearances.
He will be crucial to Maresca’s plans as he tries to get the better of an out-of-form Arsenal side and put some distance between themselves and their London rivals.
Chelsea currently sit in fourth in the Premier League table, one place above Arsenal with the teams only separated by goal difference.
Mikel Arteta is battling with his own injury woes ahead of Sunday’s showdown and is hoping that he can get midfielder Declan Rice fit and fighting for the clash.
Rice missed out on the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday after suffering a broken toe.
But SunSport understands that the 25-year-old WILL still be able to start against Chelsea despite the injury.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Both Palmer and Rice aren’t just facing a battle to return to club action, but also to make it on to the international stage.
The pair have both been called up to Lee Carsley’s final England camp as part of the squad to face Greece and Ireland during the international break.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
