Chelsea Receive Big Blow Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Chelsea are on for one of their biggest games of the season. On Sunday, the West London club will be facing their London rivals Arsenal.

Although the North London club are in a bit of a shaky spot at the moment, it will still be a difficult game for Chelsea. The Blues will need to show up and show out at Stamford Bridge come Sunday.

Enzo Maresca will need his squad at full strength to put up a fight against Arsenal who are chasing Liverpool and Manchester City out for the 2024/25 Premier League title.

However, that might not be possible following their recent trip to Old Trafford ringing bad news about Chelsea’s star player.

A loss in disguise at Old Trafford

Chelsea’s most recent game was against close rivals Manchester United. Manchester United played their second game under interim Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took over following Erik Ten Hag’s dismissal from the club early last week.

Ruud’s first game was against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, with the Red Devils enjoying a dominant 5-2 win. That same night, Chelsea on the other hand were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in a 2-0 draw to Newcastle United.

Heading into Old Trafford, considering their recent showings up to that point, it looked like Manchester United would have the upper hand against the Blues. When you put Chelsea’s record into play, Maresca’s team really were the underdogs – Chelsea haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2013 when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge of United.

However, both teams displayed concerning showings of football throughout the 90 minutes. The game was goalless until the 70th minute when Alejandro Garnacho scored a penalty. The penalty was conceded after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made a risky save.

With Chelsea not posing a threat throughout the game, a win, let alone an equaliser looked unlikely. However, defensive midfielder Moisés Caicedo stunned the opposition with a beautiful goal just four minutes later.

The game ended 1-1, the point shared.

Chelsea might however consider the draw as a loss, with their performance concerning, and a fall from their recent good form. Not to mention, Cole Palmer sustained an injury whilst playing against Manchester United.

Maresca unsure about Palmer

Argentine Lisandro Martínez’ studs found their way onto Palmer’s left knee during the Sunday game. Martinez was shown a yellow card, with VAR declining a proposal to review, allowing the World Cup winner to remain on the pitch. A decision that was seen as controversial by many.

Chelsea’s star player was seen limping away from Old Trafford after the final whistle. Palmer did sustain an injury that may well see him sit out action for a while.

Enzo Maresca has announced that the midfielder has not been training as a result of the contact between him and the United defender.

“Cole didn’t train yesterday so we will see today if he can train with us,’ 

“We hope [he will be available for Sunday]. We need to wait and see and then decide.” – Enzo Maresca at his pre-match press conference before the FC Noah game.

“Cole is getting better. We still have two days to prepare for the game. Hopefully, we can have him for a session – at least on Saturday – and then we take a decision.” – Enzo Maresca at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Arsenal game.

Palmer did not make an appearance in Chelsea’s 8-0 win against FC Noah last night. However, this is because Palmer was not included in Maresca’s UEFA Conference League 2024/25 squad at this stage of the competition.

However, Jadon Sancho, a player included in the squad missed the game, just as he missed the game against his parent club, Manchester United.

“Jadon is the only one out tomorrow, with illness. He is recovering from that, but he also had a knock in a session. Tomorrow he is out but we will see if he can be available for Sunday’s game, otherwise it will be after the international break for him.” – Enzo Maresca at his pre-match press conference before the FC Noah game.

Chelsea will need to adjust

Palmer missed the clash against Arsenal last season as well, due to illness. His absence was more than obvious, as Chelsea lost 5-0 to the Gunners.

The story this season is different though, with Palmer no longer being the only strong player in the squad. Enzo Maresca’s system has unlocked potential, with players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke making an impact on the pitch too. There’s also the new signings like Pedro Neto who has been strong as a winger for the Blues. Reece James’ return has also been a large positive for Chelsea.

However, Palmer is a player that Chelsea will be sad to miss should it come to that. Palmer’s link-up play with Jackson in particular has proven to be a vital part of Chelsea’s campaign this season.

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea will be hoping for the young Englishman’s return to fitness imminently. However, should the midfielder miss the game against Arsenal, Chelsea’s ‘A’ team will have to suffice without Palmer.

With Palmer often playing as a 10, behind the striker, Christopher Nkunku may see himself start the game against their London rivals. Another player who is strongly suited to that position is Carney Chukwuemeka, however, he has been short of playtime, with Maresca preferring others to play in that position.