Not many would have seen it coming when he first got injured, but Chelsea are performing quite well in the absence of Cole Palmer.
Enzo Maresca’s side did not need their talisman against Barcelona on Tuesday night as they ran out 3-0 victors thanks to Estevao Willian, Liam Delap and an own goal from Jules Kounde.
Before the match, Gianfranco Zola claimed Chelsea could be competitive without Palmer, and they managed to prove that against Hansi Flick’s men.
A London derby with Arsenal now awaits them, and there is some good news involving Palmer going into the game.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer vs Arsenal
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer expected to make bench for Arsenal game
While he missed the Barcelona tie, Palmer has been training and is now set to be available for the Arsenal match.
Finish this sentence: Enzo Maresca should start ______ on the right wing vs Arsenal
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the attacking midfielder should make the bench on Sunday.
According to Phillips, Palmer was desperate to face Barcelona but Chelsea were not willing to take any risks with him.
He will now be hoping that he can contribute to a Chelsea victory at the weekend and help the team close the gap at the top of the table to just three points.
After that, Palmer and Chelsea take on Leeds United in a midweek Premier League fixture.
Cole Palmer at Chelsea training ground
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer’s last outing vs Arsenal
Palmer will be itching to play against Arsenal, and not just because he has been out of action for a while.
He missed his side’s 1-0 loss to the Gunners last season and was not at his best in the 1-1 draw prior to that.
That day, Palmer failed to score a goal or provide an assist, while the 23-year-old only managed to register one shot on target. Ultimately, it was not his best game.
Cole Palmer vs Arsenal November 2024 Total
Minutes 90
Goals 0
xG 0.16
Assists 0
Shots on target 1
Key passes 1
Crosses (accurate) 4 (0)
Via Sofascore
It took a fine strike from Pedro Neto to ensure that Chelsea got something out of the match after Gabriel Martinelli had given Arsenal the lead on the hour mark.
This time at the Bridge, hopefully Neto, Palmer or someone can score a winner for the Blues.