Chelsea breathe again: Cole Palmer cleared to face Arsenal in Premier League blockbuster
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 28.11.25. | 19:30
He hasn't played since the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on September 20
Chelsea can finally smile: Cole Palmer is back.
The Blues' star man has been declared fit to start against Arsenal in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge - a derby with title-race tension written all over it.
The 23-year-old had suffered a freak setback last week, fracturing his toe after stubbing it on a door, forcing him out of the wins over Burnley and Barcelona. Another injury scare in a season already full of them: just five appearances so far for the England international.
But Enzo Maresca brought the good news with a grin.
"He is available to start," the Chelsea boss confirmed. "Everyone is happy… and most importantly, Cole is happy because a footballer wants to play. He is our best player."
Maresca did add a note of caution - Palmer still needs time to get back to 100% - but insisted there was "no doubt" the forward will continue to shine for the club.
Just a week ago, the Italian suggested the Arsenal clash might come too soon. Palmer's absence would have been a major blow: Chelsea sit second, chasing league-leading Arsenal, and a win on Sunday cuts the gap to three points.
Palmer hasn't played since the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on September 20, which was 13 matches ago. The Blues have been flying in his absence (10 wins, two losses, one draw), but everyone at the club knows what he brings.
Signed from Manchester City for £40m in 2023, he topped Chelsea's scoring charts in both league campaigns: 22 goals in his debut season, 15 more last term.
In the meantime, Estevao Willian has sparkled with five goals across competitions, and the question now is whether Chelsea can unleash both talents together.
Asked about it, Maresca smiled:
"It depends on the game plan. They are exciting, the fans are excited… we are excited. But we always need balance."
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 13
Saturday
18.00: (1.48) Brentford (4.40) Burnley (8.00)
18.00: (1.25) Manchester City (6.50) Leeds (14.0)
18.00: (3.15) Sunderland (3.45) Bournemouth (2.40)
20.30: (2.85) Everton (3.40) Newcastle (2.60)
23.00: (2.20) Tottenham (3.40) Fulham (3.30)
Sunday
15.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.50) Manchester Utd. (3.00)
17.05: (1.50) Aston Villa (4.20) Wolverhampton (6.75)
17.05: (2.85) Nottingham Forest (3.35) Brighton (2.65)
17.05: (4.50) West Ham (4.25) Liverpool (1.75)
19.30: (3.35) Chelsea (3.45) Arsenal (2.25)
***odds are subject to change***
