Enzo Maresca has addressed the media ahead of Chelsea’s early kickoff against Burnley as the Premier League gets back underway.
The international break often can feel far longer than just a weekend off, and despite some scintillating action over the last week, Chelsea fans will be eager to see their side back in action.
There are some key decisions to be made for Maresca’s XI to face Burnley, but one decision has been made for the Chelsea boss, with Cole Palmer not available.
The latest injury update for Palmer made it clear he won’t be in action this weekend, but now it looks even bleaker.
How will Chelsea get on against Burnley?
Enzo Maresca has more bad news regarding Cole Palmer
After hearing that the Barcelona game might be coming too soon for Palmer, fans would have thought: ‘At least he’s back for Arsenal.’
But even that looks to be a lost cause, judging by Maresca’s assessment.
Palmer has added to his own woes, injuring his toe at home amid recovery from a bad groin injury.
As Football London report: “He is probably not available, for tomorrow, for sure, Barcelona, for sure, Arsenal, for sure. Unfortunately, he had an accident at home with his toe. But it’s nothing important. For sure he is not back next week.
“We don’t know. It’s fractured. The only thing we know he is not available for this week and next week.”
Not what anyone wanted to hear, especially with such a tough schedule coming up.
Cole Palmer playing for Chelsea
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Chelsea will be looking past Burnley
Chelsea must give Burnley respect. Liverpool went to Turf Moor after an international break earlier in the campaign, and were very close to dropping points but for an injury-time penalty converted by Mohamed Salah.
It’s crucial that the Blues get back into a rhythm, with massive fixtures on the horizon.
Barcelona and Arsenal are next up for Chelsea, two huge challenges at Stamford Bridge. Not having Palmer for either is a huge blow, but Chelsea have coped without their star for long enough.
Maresca will want his players in the best possible mindset for that clash.
Burnley offers the chance to build some momentum to carry into next week, and of course, to put a valuable three points on the board.