Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca Optimistic About Cole Palmer’s Recovery

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that Cole Palmer might return to the pitch sooner than initially anticipated, although he still expects the playmaker to miss the Premier League match against Arsenal this Sunday.

Palmer was on the verge of full fitness after recovering from a groin injury sustained in September, only to suffer a toe fracture in a peculiar household accident last week. As a result, the 23-year-old was ruled out of the Champions League match against Barcelona as well as the encounter with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. However, Maresca remains optimistic about Palmer’s recovery, particularly after the club developed a specially designed boot to assist his healing process.

“We don’t have a specific timeline, but it will be soon for sure,” Maresca stated during a news conference on Monday. “He is already back on the pitch, touching the ball, and the feedback is positive. We are currently focused on the Champions League match tomorrow, and afterward, we will consider the Arsenal game.”

When asked if Palmer could feature against Arsenal, Maresca responded, “At this moment, I don’t think so.”

In Palmer’s absence, one player looking to make an impact against Barcelona is Estêvão. The young Brazilian talent has drawn comparisons to Spanish winger Lamine Yamal following a strong start to his career at Chelsea, but Maresca tempered those expectations.

“He is undoubtedly going to be an important player for this club,” Maresca affirmed. “The key for Estêvão is to enjoy the game, remain happy, and focus on his own development rather than comparing himself to others. If he continues to work hard and improve, he will undoubtedly become a top player for this club.”

“Estêvão is already performing at a high level, being part of Brazil’s starting eleven. He is still very young and has areas for improvement, but we are pleased with his progress. It is a joy for football enthusiasts to witness young talents like Estêvão, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri in action. We are grateful to have Estêvão with us, and I am confident he will excel.”