Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is available for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton, easing concerns after the midfielder was left out of the Champions League defeat in Bergamo.
SoftFootball reported in midweek that Charles De Ketelaere inspired Atalanta’s comeback against the Blue, but Palmer’s absence was part of a cautious recovery plan. Maresca explained that the playmaker trained with mixed feelings yet remains fit enough to be selected.
SoftFootball also highlighted Chelsea’s push for a first win in December heading into the weekend fixture, setting the stage for a tense encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer has been managing the final stages of his return from a groin problem and a toe fracture, and while he may not be at full sharpness, Maresca confirmed in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account that he is better and available at the moment.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Enzo Maresca: Cole Palmer is okay. He is better, he is available at the moment with one more session available.
He finished the session with us with a mixed feeling but he is okay.
Chelsea will welcome his creativity as they look to strengthen their position in the top five. The midfielder participated fully in Friday’s session at Cobham, and the staff will make a final decision after today’s last workout.
In more positive news, Wesley Fofana has been cleared after suffering an eye scare against Atalanta. The defender was forced off with blurred vision but completed training without issues.
His availability comes at a key moment, especially with Levi Colwill still recovering from his ACL injury. Maresca praised Fofana’s response, saying he is completely fine and ready for selection.
However, Liam Delap is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a shoulder injury against Bournemouth. The young forward is expected to be out for at least a couple of weeks. Maresca noted that Delap has maintained a good attitude despite the setback and continues working closely with the medical staff.
Chelsea will again be without Moises Caicedo as he serves the final game of his ban. Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo remain out, leaving Maresca with limited rotation options ahead of a dense fixture list.
Alejandro Garnacho recently stressed that choosing Chelsea was the right decision for his development, and the club will hope that belief translates into a strong performance tomorrow, where the Blues aim to stay ahead of Everton and maintain their momentum.
