Maresca Expresses Hope for Palmer’s Return Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is optimistic that Cole Palmer will be fit to participate in Sunday’s game against Arsenal. The 22-year-old sustained a knee injury last weekend during the match against Manchester United, but was observed walking without assistance at Chelsea’s Conference League fixture versus Noah on Thursday. Maresca commented, “He’s getting better.” He further clarified, “[Just because] he can walk and have dinner it doesn’t mean he is completely fit, but we still have two days to prepare the game. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least Saturday and then we’ll take a decision.” This upcoming match will mark the first time Maresca has faced Mikel Arteta in his managerial career, both having previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. Regarding his past experience, Maresca stated, “I learned many things from Pep.” He added, “If I’m here today, it’s probably because of the amount I was lucky to learn next to him.” He also noted, “Mikel also has his own ideas. Probably we both have to be thankful because we worked beside the one that I consider the best manager in the world. We’ve both been quite lucky to work with Pep.”