Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that attacking midfielder Cole Palmer is fit and expected to feature for the Blues in Saturday’s Premier League home game against Everton, despite recent injury concerns that have limited his play this season.
Palmer, 23, had missed Chelsea’s midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta as part of his managed return from a lengthy lay-off caused by a groin injury and a broken toe, but Maresca indicated on Friday that he has now resumed training and is available for selection. “Cole is okay. He’s better, he is, at the moment, available… yesterday he finished the session with us with mixed feelings. But overall he’s fine,” the Italian manager told reporters.
The England international had been out for approximately six weeks due to the combination of injuries, missing a significant portion of Chelsea’s schedule and forcing the club to adapt without one of its most creative attacking talents. Despite not being fully at 100 percent, Palmer’s availability is seen as a boost for Chelsea, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, just one point above Everton, and are keen to halt a four-match winless run across competitions. Maresca emphasised the importance of regaining momentum, saying that achieving greater consistency remains “the next step” for his team.
In addition to Palmer’s return, defender Wesley Fofana has also been cleared to play after being substituted in the defeat to Atalanta due to an eye injury sustained in mid-week. “Wesley is fine. He took part in the session yesterday and is completely fine,” Maresca added.
While Palmer and Fofana are available, Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap, who is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks with a shoulder issue.
For Everton, who head to Stamford Bridge eager to build on recent results, the fixture offers a chance to climb the table and pose a challenge to a Chelsea side in need of a confidence-boosting victory.
Palmer’s return not only strengthens Chelsea’s attacking options but also gives manager Maresca more tactical flexibility as the club navigates a congested schedule that includes domestic and European commitments.
