Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a major boost to his squad by confirming that star playmaker Cole Palmer is fully fit and available to start against arch-rivals Arsenal in this weekend's highly anticipated Premier League London derby.
Team News: Chelsea's Injury Boost and Absences
The Blues will welcome back their influential England international after what Maresca described as a 'freak injury' that delayed Palmer's expected return against Barcelona in the Champions League. The manager revealed the attacking midfielder accidentally hit his toe against furniture at home, but has now recovered completely.
"Yes, Cole is available for both [to play and to start]. We are looking okay [after Barcelona]. Dario Essugo also took part in the session this morning, which is good news too," Maresca told Chelsea TV.
The Italian coach emphasized the significance of Palmer's return, stating: "Having Cole back is good news, and everyone is happy. The fans are happy, his team-mates are happy, and the most important thing is that Cole is happy."
However, Chelsea will still be without defender Levi Colwill, who continues recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained at the end of last season. Midfielder Romeo Lavia also remains sidelined with a muscle problem.
Arsenal's Injury Concerns Ahead of Derby
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces several selection headaches with up to five players potentially missing the crucial encounter at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners will be without Brazilian defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhaes and forward Gabriel Jesus, who is still working his way back from an ACL injury. Several other key players including Ethan Nwaneri, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyokeres are nearing returns but Sunday's match may come too early for them.
Forward Leandro Trossard, who picked up a knock during Arsenal's midweek Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability.
"There's a potential chance," Arteta told Arsenal.com regarding Trossard's situation. "There's another test today, and we have to see how he's feeling. It doesn't look much, so we still have a few hours, and we'll have to see."
Title Implications in London Derby
This derby carries significant weight in the Premier League title race, with the two London clubs occupying the top two positions after 12 matches. Arsenal currently sit six points clear of their rivals at the summit.
A victory for Arteta's side would extend their lead to nine points and further cement their status as title favourites, while a Chelsea win would close the gap to just three points and reignite their championship ambitions.
Both teams come into the match with momentum from impressive Champions League performances, with Chelsea defeating Barcelona and Arsenal overcoming Bayern Munich.
The return of Cole Palmer provides Chelsea with additional creative firepower, though his comeback likely means teenage sensation Estevao Willian, who starred against Barcelona, will drop to the bench despite Maresca's insistence that the two players can operate together.
