Marco Palestra looked set to be one of the first names on the Chelsea teamsheet in the early stages of the season, but then he suddenly picked up a knock.
Marco Palestra attends the Gran Gala del Calcio 2026 at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, on September 2, 2026
Marco Palestra at the Gran Gala del Calcio in Milan on Wednesday night.(Image: Photo by Mairo Cinquetti/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Marco Palestra has provided an injury update ahead of Chelsea's clash against Arsenal. The 21-year-old defender, whom the Blues signed from Atalanta for £47million in the summer transfer window, hopes to be available to face Mikel Arteta's side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Palestra was expected to be one of the first names on the teamsheet in the early stages of the season, having caught the eye during the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. But, then, the Italy international suffered a knock in the build-up to the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign.
He's not yet featured in a matchday squad, casting significant doubt over his availability for arguably the biggest game of the season. Palestra also wasn't spotted in training at Cobham on Thursday.
The Italian was, however, at the Gran Gala del Calcio in Milan on Wednesday night, to collect an award for being named in the Serie A team of the season. Palestra, who spent last term on loan at Cagliari, was on stage alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Scott McTominay, and Lautaro Martinez.
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During an interview with Tuttomercatoweb at the ceremony, the Chelsea defender provided an update on his fitness. Palestra, who signed a seven-year contract with the Blues in July, said: "I’m fine, it’s still a few days away, but I feel much better."
On how he's adapted to life in west London, he said: "From day one, coach Xabi Alonso and my teammates have made me feel great. A lot has changed, but I like everything here. Me being a starter? In a team like this, there are no setbacks."
When quizzed on the ambitions of the national team, having fallen short of expectations in recent years, Palestra said: "What I can assure you is that we all had in mind to aspire to great things. We have a wonderful group, and I’m sure that by working together, we can achieve great things."
Shortly before Palestra suffered a knock, Alonso explained what makes him such a great asset. On the youngster's versatility, being able to play on the left as well as the right, the Chelsea manager said: "I would say it's probably unusual in England because, in Italy, for example, it's quite common, and he has had this education in Italian football to play both profiles.
"It doesn't matter if you are right-footed or left-footed, just that you are versatile. So he has this option, this energy. He's something different, maybe not that common here, but in Italy it's quite common."
And on how Palestra has settled behind the scenes, Alonso added: "He's had a great impact as well in the changing room. He's integrated really well.
"He's a great guy, and with this freshness that he has brought, apart from his football qualities, he's a very great addition to the club."