It’s a clash between the Premier League’s top two on Sunday, and Chelsea will need to be on their A-game against leaders Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca has just appeared in front of the press ahead of what’s sure to be a tantalising fixture — the London derby that matters.
Arsenal are flying at the moment, having beaten Spurs and Bayern in convincing fashion this past week.
The home side will be feeling confident too. Chelsea decimated Barcelona in the Champions League, and are perfect in the Premier League in November.
A tie of this magnitude calls for star quality, which is why many wanted to know what Cole Palmer’s status is ahead of the weekend’s action.
Chelsea’s injury list ahead of Arsenal clash
Levi Colwill (knee)
Dario Essugo (thigh)
Cole Palmer (groin/foot)
Romeo Lavia (thigh)
Enzo Maresca asked if Palmer can feature against Arsenal
Chelsea will need to be on top form against an Arsenal side that has looked fairly impenetrable of late.
A bit of individual brilliance could decide what is likely to be a cagey affair.
As magical as Estevao has been, Chelsea’s genius is still Palmer, and they would love for him to be available.
Great news for Chelsea fans then, as the Englishman is fit to play.
Cole Palmer and Declan Rice for Chelsea and Arsenal
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
As Football London revealed, Maresca said: “He is available for both [to start and to play].”
Unexpected? Maybe. But massive for the Blues. We could even see him from the first whistle.
Chelsea haven’t tasted victory against Arsenal for too long
For much of the past two decades, Chelsea have been the dominant side in this fixture, but recent years have been less kind to the Blues.
Mikel Arteta has swung the rivalry in his favour since returning to the Emirates. The Spaniard has lost just two of his 13 meetings with Chelsea, most recently in 2021.
Reece James was on the scoresheet the last time Chelsea beat Arsenal. Who scored the other goal?
Reece James scores for Chelsea vs Arsenal
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Maresca has shown he can beat any team in Europe. Three points against Arsenal would put the league on notice.
Not to mention, it would raise the roof at Stamford Bridge for the second time in a week.