Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca provided an update on marquee player Cole Palmer, after the Englishman suffered a knee injury in the draw at Manchester United in their last Premier League game.
The 22-year-old has now been revealed to still be in doubt ahead of Sunday’s derby clash against Arsenal.
Palmer has begun the season in electrifying fashion, netting seven goals and five assists in 10 Premier League games, aiding the Blues up to fourth on the log.
The Englishman was not registered in Chelsea’s Conference League squad for the league phase, as he did not feature in Thursday’s 8-0 thrashing of Noah, although he has not trained this week.
“Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit.
“He is getting better and we still have two days to prepare for the game. Hopefully, we can have him for a session – at least on Saturday – and then we take a decision,” Maresca said.
Arsenal have amassed the same number of points as Chelsea, with 18 points, as Mikel Arteta’s side look to rediscover proper form and mount a better title challenge in their bid to be crowned champions.
“I like to get pressure from these kinds of games. The pressure is also for us. For sure, they are the closest one with City. Both I consider better than the rest,” Maresca said.
“The reason why is because one club is working with the same manager for nine years and the other one is working with the same manager for five years. This is a big advantage compared to the rest.
“But we’re going to try to make life difficult for them on Sunday.”
