Chelsea's Palmer fit to face Arsenal after injury layoff
Saturday, 29 November 2025
LONDON, Nov 28, (AFP): Cole Palmer is fit to start Chelsea's summit meeting with Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend after more than two months on the sidelines, manager Enzo Maresca said Friday.
The England forward has not played for the club since September 20 -- initially missing with a groin problem before fracturing a toe.
Maresca told his pre-match press conference that Palmer was fit enough to play from the start in Sunday's match at Stamford Bridge.
A win for the second-placed Blues would lift them just three points behind the Gunners at the top of the Premier League.
"Everyone is happy, his teammates are happy, we are all happy and the most important thing is that Cole is happy because in the end football players want to play games," said the Chelsea boss.
Palmer, 23, was Chelsea's top scorer in the Premier League last season, with 15 goals.
He has made just four appearances in all competitions for the club this season, scoring twice.
"He is probably our best player," said Maresca. "We are happy that he is back. Now we need to give him time, you know, to be 100 percent fit.