Chelsea’s Cole Palmer Recovery Update and Estêvão’s Rising Potential

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that Cole Palmer’s return to action may occur sooner than anticipated, although he still expects the playmaker to miss the upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday.

Palmer was on the verge of full fitness after recovering from a groin injury sustained in September. However, he recently suffered a toe fracture in an unusual home accident, which has further delayed his return. Consequently, the 23-year-old was ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona, as well as the clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Despite this setback, Maresca remains optimistic about Palmer’s recovery, mentioning that the club has developed a specially adapted boot to aid his healing process.

“We don’t know when, but for sure it will be soon,” Maresca stated during a news conference on Monday. “He’s already on the pitch, he’s already touching the ball, and the feeling is good. We are focused on tomorrow’s Champions League game and then we will turn our attention to Arsenal.”

When pressed about the possibility of Palmer playing against the Gunners, Maresca responded, “I don’t think so at the moment.”

In Palmer’s absence, one of the players eager to make an impact against Barcelona is the promising Brazilian teenager, Estêvão. The young talent has drawn comparisons to Spanish winger Lamine Yamal following a strong start to his career at Chelsea, yet Maresca aimed to temper such expectations.

“He is going to be an important player for this club, no doubt,” Maresca affirmed. “The most crucial thing for Estêvão is to fully enjoy his time on the pitch and focus on improving himself, rather than comparing himself to others. If he works hard and strives to be better each day, he will undoubtedly become a top player for this club.”

Maresca acknowledged Estêvão’s current level of play, highlighting his inclusion in Brazil’s starting eleven. “He is very young and certainly has areas for improvement, but we are very pleased with his progress.

“It is akin to what I previously said about Pedri; it’s a delight for football fans to witness talents like Estêvão, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri. We are thrilled to have Estêvão with us, and I have no doubt he will excel.”