Chelsea receive a vital boost ahead of one of their toughest matches of the season. Cole Palmer, one of the most influential players in Enzo Maresca’s system, is set to return this Sunday for the showdown against Arsenal, the dominant Premier League leaders. The Englishman, who missed recent fixtures due to a series of physical setbacks and a rather peculiar household accident, comes back at a moment when the Blues need him most.

Palmer, the Creative Weapon Maresca Couldn’t Afford to Lose

Palmer’s absence had become one of Chelsea’s biggest concerns. First, he suffered a groin injury that sidelined him for thirteen matches. And just when he was on the verge of returning, he accidentally injured his pinky finger by hitting a door at home, ruling him out of the games against Burnley and Barcelona.

Despite the odd circumstances, Maresca confirmed the good news with evident relief:
“Palmer is available. We are all happy, but the most important thing is that he’s happy, because he needs to play.”

The manager didn’t hold back his praise, describing the midfielder as “probably our best player.”

The Englishman has played only three Premier League matches this season, scoring once, along with another goal in his sole Champions League appearance. With his return, Chelsea regain creativity, final pass quality and attacking leadership in a match that demands absolute precision.

Chelsea Must Close the Gap Against an Unstoppable Arsenal

Maresca’s team sit second in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal. The clash at Stamford Bridge isn’t only emotionally charged — it could be decisive in the title race. Chelsea arrive strengthened after their European win over Barcelona and will look to capitalize on Palmer’s return to reduce the gap.

Opposing them is an Arsenal side that is solid, consistent and playing with champion-level rhythm. But Chelsea — who have shown notable progression under Maresca — trust their ability to compete, especially with one of their most decisive players back on the pitch.

With Palmer available, Chelsea regain creativity in the final third and a key link-up figure they had deeply missed. For a match of maximum difficulty, the timing couldn’t be better.