Cole Palmer could make his first appearance for Chelsea in over two months after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed he is ready to start against Leeds United on Wednesday.
The playmaker has been out of action since sustaining a groin injury in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September. His return was delayed after he suffered a suspected fractured toe last month.
Palmer returned to the matchday squad on Sunday as the Blues drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but remained an unused sub because they were reduced to ten men in the first half.
Cole Palmer ready to start as Chelsea injury updates issued
“He is available,” Maresca confirmed in his pre-match press conference. “The last game he was on the bench for sure with the players was more complicated for Cole because now he needs to come back in terms of fitness condition.
“He is available, he can start the game. The idea of the game is to start giving minutes until he can play 90 minutes.
Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are expected to miss the Leeds game with thigh problems, while Levi Colwill remains sidelined by a knee injury. Chelsea otherwise have a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Elland Road.
“Everyone is fine,” Maresca said. “Romeo is still trying to recover. Dario, he was okay to start some sessions with us. Now he needs to slow down a little bit, so he will be out again. Hopefully nothing important. And the rest, they are all fine.“
Maresca hinted that Reece James may be rested for the match after starting Chelsea’s last three matches. The 25-year-old put in a virtuoso performance in midfield against Arsenal after Moises Caicedo was sent off, but the manager is wary of pushing him too hard.
“It’s complicated. I would like to start him, but we need to do the right thing.”
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