The Blues have received a timely boost ahead of the Sunday, November 30 Chelsea vs Arsenal showdown after Enzo Maresca confirmed that forward Cole Palmer is fit and available to start.
Palmer had been sidelined since September due to a groin injury and later aggravated the problem with a fractured toe in a home accident. But after a careful rehabilitation and full training sessions ahead of the Chelsea vs Arsenal fixture, Maresca said the 22-year-old is “available for both” starting and playing significant minutes.
The return of their creative star gives Chelsea a welcome injection of attacking quality just days after a convincing display in Europe in a 3-0 win against Barcelona.
Maresca Keeps Focus Amid Palmer Return: ‘It’s Too Early for Title Talk’
Despite the high stakes of the London derby, Maresca has urged calm and refused to indulge in early talks of the Premier League. “It’s too early in any case if we win or don’t win [against Arsenal],” he said, highlighting the long road ahead with several months left in the season.
“It’s important where we are [in the Premier League table] in February and March, and we’ll see if we can achieve something important.”
Maresca emphasised that the team’s duty is to focus on the performance, rather than the headlines, underlining that Chelsea’s target remains to climb closer to the top – but without getting carried away.
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Chelsea vs Arsenal Match Significance
Behind Palmer’s return is a larger picture of squad depth and flexibility, as he now has multiple selection options for one of the biggest fixtures of the season. Attacking options also include Liam Delap, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho, Estevao Willian and Marc Guiu.
This flexibility will matter in a game where tactical nuance could decide the outcome, particularly against an Arsenal side known for their defensive strengths.
Coming off a strong Champions League win over Barcelona. With Palmer returning to the Chelsea starting lineup, the Blues have momentum heading into Sunday’s Chelsea vs Arsenal London derby. The return of their most creative attacker adds both threat and stability.
“He [Palmer] can help us a lot. He is probably our best player and we are happy he is back. Now we have to give him time to be 100% fit. He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good things for this club in the future.”
For Maresca’s men, Chelsea vs Arsenal is an opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal, challenge a direct competitor, and make a statement about their Premier League title ambitions under Maresca.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Crystal Pix
Recording Date: 25.11.2025
