Palmer back for Chelsea ahead of Arsenal clash
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is fit to feature against Arsenal after recovering from a fractured toe.
Palmer has been out since September, but he was expected to return ahead of last week's trip to Burnley, only to suffer a toe injury at home.
Maresca initially ruled Palmer out for Monday's (AEDT) clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but the playmaker has returned ahead of schedule.
In a huge boost to the Blues' hopes of beating the Premier League leader.
"He is available to start and to play," Maresca said of Palmer.
"Everyone is happy, the team-mates are happy, we are all happy and the most important thing is Cole is happy because a footballer wants to play games and make the sessions every day."
Palmer has only featured in three league games this season, playing 145 minutes in total.
The England international has scored one top-flight goal in 2025-2026.
"He is our best player, we are happy he is back, we need to give him time to be 100 per cent fit," Maresca said.
"He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future."
Several players have stepped up in Palmer's absence, including teenager Estevao, who is in a great run of form for both club and country.
Asked if he believes Estevao and Palmer can play together, Maresca said: "They can play together, but it depends on the game plan.
"For sure they are exciting. Fans excited. We also are excited. We need to balance between the two."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, said that Leandro Trossard is a doubt after aggravating an injury in the Gunners' win over Bayern Munich.
