Mikel Arteta quaking in his boots after what Enzo Maresca just said ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea
Mikel Arteta is about to feel much less confident ahead of Arsenal’s key Premier League clash against Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side are fresh from beating Barcelona in the Champions League, while the Gunners took top spot in the table after putting Bayern Munich to the sword at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal could move further ahead of the pack in the Premier League table on Sunday, 30 November, but one of their biggest rivals, who are sitting in second, will have something to say about that.
Gabriel Magalhaes remains on the sidelines, though he could return, alongside Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, and another player might be added to that after Leandro Trossard trudged off midweek.
The Blues, on the other hand, have been handed a major boost ahead of the meeting.
Cole Palmer could return to the Chelsea XI vs Arsenal
Cole Palmer has been injured since facing Man United two months ago, suffering a setback after fracturing his toe in an at-home accident, but he could soon return to the starting lineup.
Speaking in his press conference (28 November), Maresca confirmed that Palmer will be available to start against the Gunners if called upon, appearing for the first time since late September.
Last season, the Man City academy product notched 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, but with just 10 appearances so far this term, the Blues have missed him on the pitch.
Enzo Fernandez has been impressing in Palmer’s absence, but with the England star to potentially return at Stamford Bridge this weekend, he could be sent back to his normal position.
What is Palmer’s record against the Gunners?
In three matches against the Gunners, the 23-year-old has yet to be on the winning side, drawing twice and losing once, though he does have two goals and one assist in those games.
Knowing his winning mentality, he will be keen to change that when coming up against Arteta’s side at Stamford Bridge this weekend, even if he starts as a substitute.
The Blues could seriously make a statement in the Premier League title race, but Maresca will be cautious about throwing his biggest star straight into the lineup after so long on the sidelines.
It is a difficult decision to make, but with players thriving in his absence, the manager has more than enough talent in the squad without risking another serious injury in West London.