Chelsea fans have received a welcome update as manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that star midfielder Cole Palmer is back on the pitch and making steady progress in his recovery. The 23-year-old had been nearing a return from a two-month groin injury layoff before suffering a freak broken toe at home, delaying his comeback.
Despite the setback, Maresca revealed during a press conference on Monday that Palmer has already resumed light training on grass and is “feeling good,” raising hopes of an imminent return.
Palmer has not featured for Chelsea since their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September. Nonetheless, the Blues have maintained strong form in his absence. Their 2-0 victory over Burnley last weekend lifted them to second place in the Premier League.
Chelsea have also collected seven points in their opening four Champions League matches, but Maresca admits Palmer’s creativity and last season’s impressive 23 goal contributions will be a massive lift once he’s fit to return.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona, Maresca explained, “Cole is still wearing a protective boot. We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back, but it will be soon. He’s already training on the pitch and touching the ball. The feeling is positive.”
Maresca confirmed Palmer is unlikely to feature against Barcelona or Arsenal this week but praised the progress he has made in recent days.
Looking ahead to their clash with Barcelona, Maresca acknowledged the quality of the Spanish champions, who boast attacking talents like Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Frenkie de Jong.
“Lewandowski is a fantastic player, he’s proven it throughout his career,” Maresca said. “Barcelona have many dangerous players, but so do we. We’ve improved since we faced Bayern away, and every match gives us something to learn.”
He also described Barcelona as a “spectacular team” with a distinctive style that demands full concentration.
Chelsea face a demanding run of fixtures, starting with Barcelona on Tuesday and a Premier League blockbuster against Arsenal on Sunday. The schedule doesn’t ease up afterward, with trips to Leeds, Bournemouth, and Atalanta all lined up.
Maresca insists, however, that the team must maintain a game-by-game focus.
“Every game gives us the chance to take three points. Barcelona first, then Arsenal. Each match is important for different reasons.”
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