Enzo Maresca has confirmed he’s expecting a big contribution from Cole Palmer as he labelled the attacker Chelsea’s best player.
The Italian confirmed Palmer was fit and available for Sunday’s game against Arsenal, and the 23-year-old is in line to make his first appearance since 20th September.
The Blues have done well in Palmer’s absence and sit second, six points behind the Gunners, although they’ve not beaten their London rivals side since 2021.
Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer expectations
In the absence of Palmer, the Blues have managed 23 league goals this season, the second most in the league and just one behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
Palmer has made only four appearances in all competitions this season, and his return is a huge boost for the club heading into the busy festive period.
Cole Palmer celebrates against Brentford.
Palmer is set to feature on Sunday against Arsenal. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Getting their talisman back into the team should make Chelsea an even better side, and Maresca has spoken on what he’s expecting from Palmer.
“A lot, a lot, he is, as you said, probably our best player,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“We are happy that he is back, now we need to give him time to be 100% fit.
“He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very well for this club in the future.”
Estevao link up exciting for Chelsea
With Palmer now back, the prospect of him and Estevao playing together is a mouth watering one, and one supporters are very excited about.
Maresca has confirmed the two can play together, but the only time they’ve been named in the same side was in the defeat to Manchester United in September.
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Enzo Maresca speaks in his pre-match press conference.
BBC pundit Chris Sutton with a Chelsea logo.
Chelsea's logo on material.
That lasted all of four minutes with Estevao sacrificed after Robert Sanchez got sent off, but i’s very likely the two will share the pitch in upcoming games.
Palmer will likely be on the bench against Arsenal, but could start either of the next games against Leeds and Bournemouth.