Chelsea are hopeful that Cole Palmer could make his return from injury for Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The Blues' star man has been sidelined for much of the season with a groin injury and a subsequent fractured toe, but is now back on the training pitch and touching the ball.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer is wearing a specially-adapted boot to aid his recovery. 'Yes, Cole is wearing a boot,' Maresca said. 'We don't know when he will be back to full fitness, but it will be soon. He is already on the pitch and already touching the ball. The feeling is good.'
However, Chelsea will definitely be without Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo for the fixture due to injuries.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have a fresh injury concern over Leandro Trossard, who was withdrawn during the first half of their midweek Champions League win against Bayern Munich. Manager Mikel Arteta said: 'With Leo, we don't know. He said he felt something, we didn't want to take any risk, obviously.'
The Gunners were also without Gabriel Magalhaes, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for that match. All except Gabriel could potentially return against Chelsea, but remain uncertain.
Arsenal currently hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, while Chelsea sit second after a 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League.
