Chelsea worried about Palmer’s fitness before Arsenal match

After Cole Palmer damaged his knee in the draw with Manchester United last weekend, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca hopes he will be ready for Sunday’s Premier League London derby against Arsenal.

This season, Palmer has seven goals and five assists in 10 Premier League appearances, helping Chelsea climb to fourth.

Palmer did not participate in Chelsea’s 8-0 win over Noah on Thursday because he was not registered for the Conference League group stages, although he has not trained this week.

“Cole is getting better, but because he can walk and have dinner doesn’t mean he is completely fit,” he remarked.

“He’s improving and we have two days to prepare for the game. We hope to have him for a session on Saturday before making a decision.”

Arsenal are tied with Chelsea on 18 points as they try to recover from a dip and catch Liverpool and Manchester City in the title chase.

“I appreciate pressure from these games. The pressure affects us too. They are the nearest to City. Maresca stated both were better.

The explanation is that one club has had the same manager for nine years and the other for five. It’s a tremendous edge over others.

“But we’re going to try to make life difficult for them on Sunday.”

Arsenal defeated Chelsea 5-0 in their last match before Maresca took over, and the Italian is cautious of their set-piece danger. Mentally, it will be hard. Set pieces are great. Maresca said every corner in the Champions League game against Inter Milan smelled like a goal.