Cole Palmer injury boost for Chelsea vs Arsenal as Enzo Maresca gives update

Enzo Maresca has delivered a new Cole Palmer injury update before Chelsea's clash with Arsenal (Image: (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is available for selection to face Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend. The England international has not played for Chelsea since Saturday, September 20 after suffering a setback from the groin issue that had plagued him during the first few weeks of the season.

A fractured toe delayed any potential comeback, but through training in a specially-designed boot, he has been passed fit by Maresca. At a press conference on Friday, he said: "He [Palmer] is available for both [to start and to play]."

Featuring in the Burnley or Barcelona games over the last seven days would have been a real possibility had it not been for that freak accident at home, which Maresca confirmed earlier this month. He also admitted a return against Arsenal was off the cards, but it seems things have changed.

Before the Burnley match, he said: "Unfortunately he had an accident at home with his toe. But it's nothing important. For sure he is not back next week."

When pushed on Palmer's latest issue, Maresca added: "We don't know. It's fractured. The only thing we know is he is not available for this week and next week."

Maresca was also handed another injury boost with Dario Essugo returning to training after a lengthy spell out. Levi Colwill is a long-term absentee while Romeo Lavia suffered a fresh injury earlier this month with clarity on a return unclear.

Estevao Willian required treatment before going off in the Champions League win over Barcelona, but he is fine for Sunday's London derby.

Arsenal are also dealing with some injury problems but those have eased up in recent weeks. Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli have all returned with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz edging closer.

(Image: (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images))

On the latter duo, Arteta said: "We have another day tomorrow. So let's see how it goes. Clear, not yet. But they are getting closer and closer."

Leandro Trossard went off with an injury in their 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League but Arteta has suggested he may feature.

"With Leo there is another test today, it didn't look much. There is a potential chance he could be available," he said.

The Belgian international not starting would likely see former Chelsea winger Madueke deployed from the off. He replaced Trossard earlier in the week and scored his first Arsenal goal in the win.

The Gunners boss also delivered a positive Gabriel Magalhaes update but he is expected to remain out for the next few weeks at least.

He said: "I think he's evolving really really well. We have to wait for the scan a little bit longer. am really confident the way that Gabi has evolved."