Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is prepared to play a full 90 minutes when the Blues host Aston Villa on Saturday. The forward has been carefully managed after a groin issue, but Maresca believes he is now ready to complete an entire match.
Palmer featured for 79 minutes against Newcastle United last weekend, following earlier appearances of 45 minutes against Everton and over 70 minutes against the Magpies. 'The progression is there,' said Maresca, who had previously indicated that Palmer could not play twice weekly.
In further positive news, Maresca revealed that Estevao and Liam Delap are both available after recovering from minor problems. Estevao missed the last two matches, while Delap has been sidelined since early December with a shoulder injury that proved less serious than initially feared. Dario Essugo has also returned to training following surgery.
However, Romeo Lavia remains unavailable after picking up a fresh muscle problem against Qarabag in the Champions League, and Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee as he continues recovery from an ACL injury sustained in pre-season.
Maresca declined to comment on reports that Chelsea made an enquiry about Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo but decided against a January move. 'I'm focused on Aston Villa. Not on players who can arrive and leave. I'm in love with the squad we have,' he said.
