Major announcement on Cole Palmer changes picture of Maresca’s team, with winger likely dropped | OneFootball

Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail announced late last night the worrying news that Cole Palmer, who missed our last game before the international break with an injury, still hadn’t trained with the first team yet, putting his involvement in next week’s game against Spurs in doubt.

Well now, he’s doubled down on his scoop by today announcing that Palmer has in fact trained today for the first time, along with teammates Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.

“Another Cole Palmer update – this time much more positive for #CFC,” he wrote.

“Palmer is training with Chelsea today for the first time since picking up his muscular problem. Tottenham in six days.”

We had thought this was trending in the wrong way, but if he trains today without issue there should be no reason that he can’t play next week. That’s a huge boost to Maresca and the squad ahead of a massive run in for the Blues as they look to secure Champions League football.

Maresca has huge lineup questions

Kieran Gill’s Tweet about Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke training again.

We wrote about who might replace Palmer should he not be able to play – but another question is how we will set up with Madueke and Jackson and Palmer all available.

Pedro Neto would probably move back to the wing, with Madueke on the other side and Palmer supporting Jackson up top. That would mean Jadon Sancho dropping out of the team – possibly not a bad thing considering his recent struggles.

However we really don’t know how fit either Jackson or Madueke will be after long periods out, and it may be that they’re only ready for sub appearances. There is still almost a week until the Spurs game, and a lot can change. But whatever happens, we’re looking like we’re going to be a lot stronger next week.