Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is hopeful that Cole Palmer will be fit and ready for their upcoming Premier League London derby against Arsenal on Sunday, following a knee injury sustained in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Palmer, who has been in excellent form this season with seven goals and five assists in 10 league appearances, has played a key role in Chelsea's rise to fourth place in the standings.
Although Palmer was left out of Chelsea's squad for their 8-0 win over Noah in the Conference League on Thursday, Maresca noted that the 22-year-old has not trained this week. The coach remains optimistic, stating that Palmer is improving, but clarified that being able to walk and eat does not mean he is fully fit. With two days remaining before the match, Maresca hopes Palmer will be able to participate in at least one training session on Saturday, allowing them to make a decision regarding his availability.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal are tied on 18 points in the league, with Arsenal looking to bounce back from a recent slump and maintain their challenge in the title race, as Liverpool and Manchester City continue to pull ahead. Maresca welcomes the pressure of facing a top team like Arsenal, recognizing their consistency with long-term managerial stability, but believes Chelsea can make things difficult for them on Sunday.
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 5-0 in their last meeting before Maresca took over, and the Chelsea manager is mindful of the Gunners' strengths, particularly in set-piece situations. Having watched Arsenal's Champions League match against Inter Milan, Maresca expressed concern over their dangerous delivery from corners, acknowledging that they pose a significant threat in such situations.
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