Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca provided an update on Cole Palmer's fitness ahead of the Blues' weekend clash against Arsenal. The west Londoners are set to face the Gunners at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (November 10) in the Premier League.
However, Maresca and Co., could be without their star player Palmer, who has been nothing short of brilliant this campaign. The England international has made 12 appearances across competitions this season, bagging seven goals and five assists.
It looks unlikely that he will feature for Chelsea in their upcoming Europa Conference League tie against Noah on Thursday (November 7). Speaking about the attacking midfielder, Maresca said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Cole Palmer was not able to train yesterday, he was not fit. We hope to have him back against Arsenal, we will assess him."
If Palmer does not return to full fitness before his team faces the Gunners, Maresca could have to turn to Christopher Nkunku to play this role. Joao Felix is another candidate who could replace the Englishman if he is injured.
This would be a significant loss for the Blues, who are currently level on points with Arsenal in the Premier League standings. Chelsea are a place ahead of the north London outfit and sit in fourth.
If the club's Italian coach wishes to adopt a more defensive approach, he could deploy Enzo Fernandez ahead of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in midfield.
Jason Cundy believes Chelsea midfielder will not feature against Arsenal
Former Blues star Jason Cundy says he's worried for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez ahead of the club's meeting with Arsenal. He claims that the Argentina international will not feature in the deeper midfield positions.
This is because both Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo have become the first picks to start in these places under Enzo Maresca. Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy said (via @Chels_HQ):
"Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in #Chelsea's best team are the pivot, they are the two. Enzo Fernandez has got a real problem right now, that's why he will start against Noah — because he won't start against Arsenal.."
However, there may be an opportunity for Fernandez to feature in a slightly more attacking role if Cole Palmer is injured for the weekend's clash. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Benfica in January 2023 for a reported fee of €121 million, he's made 75 appearances across competitions.
The World Cup winner has scored on seven occasions and bagged six assists for the Blues.