Evening Standard
·7 November 2024
Evening Standard
·7 November 2024
Blues talisman Palmer is a doubt to face Arsenal
Chelsea have endured a bruising few days and the fitness of Cole Palmer is a huge concern ahead of facing Arsenal.
Aside from Premier League defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool, manager Enzo Maresca looked to have settled things down at Stamford Bridge after a chaotic summer.
While recent results are by no means a disaster of course, they have caused something of a stumbling block.
The manner of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle was disappointing, while Maresca’s side underwhelmed during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.
Chelsea next play FC Noah in the Conference League before a mouth-watering clash against the Gunners on Sunday, before the last international break of the year.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Chelsea injuries…
Cole Palmer hits the deck after the draw at Old Trafford
REUTERS
Maresca fumed at the fact Lisandro Martinez was only booked for a cynical foul on Palmer towards the closing stages of Sunday’s draw.
Speaking about the England international, the Blues boss said: "He was there in the changing room with ice. We are waiting now. Hopefully it is nothing important.”
Palmer has not trained since the incident and he is not eligible for Thursday's Conference League game at home to FC Noah.
"He didn't train (Tuesday), we'll see today if he is able to train with us," said Maresca. "Hopefully he'll be ready (for Arsenal) but we need to wait and see, then decide."
Palmer was not able to train later on Wednesday and is now a significant doubt to face the Gunners.
Potential return date: November 2024
Jadon Sancho was of course unable to play against United due to the terms of his loan move but missed the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle due to illness.
It remains to be seen when the forward will feature again.
Potential return date: Unknown
Omari Kellyman is yet to make an appearance for the Chelsea first-team following his £19million arrival from Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in September, which was expected to rule him out for around two months.
Potential return date: November 2024