Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has given an injury update on Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.
Palmer missed the Blues’ 1-0 loss to Arsenal just before the international break, while Jackson has not played since the start of February.
However, before Maresca‘s pre-match press conference for Thursday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Palmer was spotted training.
Jackson had also been seen on the grass at Cobham, and Maresca has now given an update on both players.
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson both available for Tottenham game
In a huge boost for Chelsea, Palmer and Jackson are set to be available for the massive game against Tottenham.
In his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: “Cole Palmer is back, he is okay. Noni Madueke is better. Nico Jackson is better. They are all good.”
Palmer was not in the best of form before his injury. Last month, Joe Cole discussed Palmer’s dip, claiming that he needs a more senior player around him to give some support during this difficult period.
Whatever the case, the attacking midfielder is still Chelsea’s best player, so Maresca will be pleased to have him back.
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As for Jackson, the Chelsea head coach will also be glad to welcome the 23-year-old back. In his absence, the Blues have not had too many other striker options.
Pedro Neto has had to play up front, with Marc Guiu also being out injured. Christopher Nkunku has experience in the centre-forward position, but Maresca has preferred him on the left.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson’s records against Tottenham
Palmer scored two goals in Chelsea’s last outing against Tottenham, a 4-3 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Both were penalties, including a Panenka, and saw the England international take his record against Spurs to three goals in three games.
Regarding Jackson, he has managed four goals in three appearances versus Chelsea’s fierce rivals, scoring a hat-trick in north London last season.
With the two attackers in the team, Chelsea’s chances of beating Ange Postecoglou’s men go up dramatically. Had Palmer’s form not declined and Jackson not got injured, the Blues would probably be third in the Premier League table right now.