Chelsea are hopeful that Cole Palmer will be available for Sunday's Premier League meeting with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old forward has been sidelined since September with a groin injury, and his recovery was set back last week after he fractured a toe in a domestic accident.
Palmer missed Chelsea's 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, but he has trained with the squad this week and could be named on the substitutes' bench against the league leaders. Head coach Enzo Maresca is unlikely to start the England international, given his lack of match fitness.
Chelsea have coped admirably without Palmer, recording ten wins from 13 games in his absence. The tag of 'Cole Palmer FC' has faded as the team have shown depth, with summer signings and tactical flexibility. Maresca's decision to start teenager Estêvão Willian on the right wing against Barcelona paid off, as the Brazilian scored a stunning solo goal.
The club are keen to keep expectations realistic after the impressive victory in Europe. They recognise that Arsenal will provide a much sterner physical test for Maresca's young side. However, belief within the squad will increase if Palmer is included in the matchday squad.
Palmer has had a frustrating season with injury but hopes a period of rest has resolved his groin problem. He will be eager to make up for lost time and secure his place in England's World Cup squad.
