Chelsea injury boost as Enzo Maresca gives Cole Palmer update for Aston Villa

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Enzo Maresca has said that both Estevao and Liam Delap are fit to face Aston Villa . The Chelsea manager has also stated that Cole Palmer is prepared to complete a full 90 minutes if needed.

Palmer featured for 79 minutes against Newcastle United last weekend as he worked his way back to full fitness. After Maresca's previous remarks that he couldn't play twice weekly, this development provides a significant lift for the Blues.

"I think he's ready for 90 minutes, yeah," he said. "The progression for a player is 45, one hour, 70. He already played one hour against, I think, Everton . He played more than 70 against Newcastle. I think the progression is there."

He had previously acknowledged that Chelsea's key player was still feeling discomfort in his groin, with his playing time being carefully monitored accordingly.

Regarding other fitness concerns, Estevao had been sidelined for Chelsea's previous two matches with a minor problem, while Delap has been out of action since early December, reports football.london .

It appeared to be a severe shoulder problem for the striker, but his imminent comeback has demonstrated it wasn't as serious as initially thought. Maresca commented on the pair: "He [Estevao] is back, he's available for Saturday, him and also Liam Delap."

Dario Essugo has also rejoined training following surgery several months ago, while Romeo Lavia remains unavailable after picking up a fresh muscle problem against Qarabag in the Champions League .

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Levi Colwill is a long-term casualty as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury sustained during pre-season. After the comeback draw at St James Park, nine of Chelsea's next ten matches in all competitions are in London.

The Blues wrap up 2025 with home games against Villa and Bournemouth , with the latter potentially marking Antoine Semenyo's final appearance for the club.

Chelsea made an enquiry on Monday about a potential January move for Semenyo, but those in charge quickly decided against pursuing a move at this stage, believing in the attackers they currently have, according to football.london .

Maresca declined to comment on the decision not to sign Semenyo.

He stated: "I'm focused on Aston Villa. Not on players who can arrive and leave. I'm in love with the squad we have."

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Following Bournemouth's visit to west London, Chelsea head to Manchester City for their only match outside of the capital until January 28.

Two away matches follow that trip to Etihad Stadium, but they are against Fulham in the Premier League and Charlton in the FA Cup .

Maresca's team then host Arsenal , Brentford and Pafos in three different competitions before taking on Crystal Palace on their turf. Chelsea finish January against Antonio Conte's Napoli.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.