Cole Palmer is set to return for Chelsea against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca has delivered very positive news for Chelsea fans, confirming that Cole Palmer is available for selection against Tottenham this Thursday. The news comes as part of a triple injury boost as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are ready to return as well.
The Blues' injury woes have seen them without Jackson and Madueke for nearly two months, while Palmer sat out the last game against Arsenal. As Chelsea prepare to welcome Tottenham in a pivotal Premier League showdown, they will be desperate for all three points in their quest for a Champions League spot come the end of the season.
Addressing the media at Cobham on Wednesday, Maresca declared that "Cole is back, he's okay. He's better. Noni is better. Nico is better. They are all good."
Trending
Chelsea, who are fourth in the lead-up to fixture, have found it tough to maintain momentum since January. With victories post-Brentford largely coming against lower-placed teams like West Ham, Wolves, Southampton and Leicester, the Blues must navigate a challenging final nine games.
That run commences when they face Tottenham, who themselves are grappling with issues as they risk finishing outside the top ten. With plenty of clubs breathing down their necks, Chelsea understand that any result short of triumph over Spurs could crack open the chase for the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Fulham and Brighton, and potentially even Bournemouth in tenth.
As Chelsea gear up for their fixture, they risk falling to seventh place. Amid the race for top five and Champions League qualification, coach Maresca has highlighted the importance of key players making their returns from injury: "Very good. We've said many times, it is a game for players and when they are not there, you struggle. This has happened with us this season. Now it is good to finish with all of them."
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Unfortunately, Maresca confirmed that Romeo Lavia is set for another match on the sidelines, notifying reporters: "He was doing better in terms of progress but unfortunately one or two days ago he had a small problem, so we will see in the next hours."
Having just returned from injury, Lavia's absence is a blow for the team. However, there's positive news about Reece James who continues to sustainshis fitness streak in 2025, though caution remains. Maresca conceded: "We still need to manage Reece.
"The reason why is because you know his history probably better than me. You need to be careful with him in this moment. We want him fit until the end so we will manage him until the end and then we will see in the future.
"Reece James in another team is very, very young. In our team, probably a bit old but he is still very, very young. He's 25 or 26, a top age."
