Enzo Maresca has given positive updates on Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Benoit Badiashile.
Both players have been out injured, with Palmer having not played a game since September.
However, Maresca sounded optimistic about the pair returning soon in his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s game against Qarabag on Wednesday.
Palmer was recently named the FIFPro World XI, showing the calibre of player that the Blues have been missing.
Chelsea players celebrate goal against Tottenham
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Cole Palmer and Benoit Badiashile could both return for Chelsea this month
Chelsea have a huge match against Barcelona in the Champions League later this month, and Maresca was asked if Palmer could be back in time for it.
In response, Maresca said he hopes so, while the Chelsea head coach also confirmed that Badiashile will return after the international break.
Discussing whether Palmer will be available for the visit of Barcelona, Maresca told football.london and other outlets: “We hope so but with Cole, we try to schedule the beginning and then we need to review that. We go day by day with Cole.
“He is not taking any sessions with the team. We have Benoit Badiashile that can probably be available after the international break and for us, that is huge news.
“I would love to have Cole here tomorrow and for every game. Unfortunately he’s injured but for sure, we want him back very soon.”
While Chelsea fans will be glad to hear that Palmer is closing in on a return, Badiashile’s progress is also good news.
The central defender was really starting to impress before picking up his latest injury.
For example, Frank Leboeuf thought Badiashile was excellent in the Blues’ 2-1 victory over Liverpool in October.
Getting him back will be a boost, though Palmer’s return is what everyone at Stamford Bridge is waiting for.