Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, and Benoit Badiashile are all in contention for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley. The triple boost comes as the Blues are dealt a fresh setback over Cole Palmer, who has fractured a toe in a freak accident at home.
Fernandez missed Argentina’s friendly against Angola after coming off late in the 3-0 win over Wolves with a persistent knee problem, while Neto also withdrew from Portugal duty having reported a groin issue.
Badiashile has recovered from the muscle injury he suffered against Liverpool in early October and is back as a defensive option. Moises Caicedo was also checked after only returning from Ecuador duty on Thursday night.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Maresca underlined the significance of the returning players, saying:
“Benoit is back. He can be available for tomorrow, that’s great news for us.”
He added that Fernandez and Neto had used “the international break to recover a little bit of energy” and are both available for selection at Turf Moor.
Cole Palmer Freak Injury Explained by Enzo Maresca
Palmer’s situation is more frustrating for Chelsea, with the 23-year-old having been close to returning after two months out with a groin injury before stubbing the little toe on his left foot on a door on Wednesday night. Maresca admitted the playmaker had been on the verge of a comeback, saying:
“He was very close.”
He explained that the England international’s fracture came in “an accident at home where he hit his toe,” ruling him out of upcoming games against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal.
The Blues remain without Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo, who are all still sidelined through injury. Even so, Maresca will hope the returns of Fernandez, Neto, and Badiashile can help maintain Chelsea’s momentum as they look to build on their 3-0 victory over Wolves before the international break.