CHELSEA fans have been given an update on star man Cole Palmer’s fitness ahead of their clash with Arsenal this weekend.
Palmer, 22, has been a doubt for the London derby after picking up a knock during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca explained earlier this week that the midfielder was unable to train on Tuesday after the injury.
He said: “Cole Palmer was not able to train yesterday, he was not fit. We hope to have him back against Arsenal. We will assess him.”
But Blues fans have been given a boost after seeing Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s clash with FC Noah in the Conference League.
Palmer, who isn’t part of Chelsea’s Conference League squad, was there to support his team from the sidelines.
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And the England star appeared to be moving freely as he walked by the pitch in SW6.
Fans were certainly buoyed by the sight of their star man moving with ease.
On social media, one wrote: “I think he can play against Arsenal”.
While another added: “Like I said, he looks good for someone who is supposed to be injured”.
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Chelsea fans can be confident that any issue isn’t long-term either with Palmer called up to Lee Carsley’s final England camp as manager.
The former Man City man has been included in the 23-strong squad to face Greece and Ireland.
Palmer’s inclusion for the Arsenal game would be a huge boost with the attacking midfielder already registering 12 goal contributions in 10 Premier League games this season.
However, the Blues could still be without Jadon Sancho for the head-to-head this weekend too.
Speaking about the winger in his press conference, Maresca said: “He also had a knock in a session.
“Tomorrow [against Noah] he is out but we will see if he can be available for Sunday’s game, otherwise it will be after the international break for him.”
Arsenal could be reduced in numbers with Declan Rice missing the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Inter on Wednesday with injury.
Palmer’s absence mattered little against FC Noah as the romped to an 8-0 win – a record for the Europa Conference League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
