The England midfielder had been edging closer to full fitness following a groin problem that kept him sidelined since late September. However, his anticipated comeback was unexpectedly delayed after he accidentally stubbed his toe on a door at home, resulting in a fracture.
Palmer is now using a special protective boot to speed up his recovery, and manager Enzo Maresca says early signs are encouraging.
Maresca explained:
“Yeah, we don’t know when he will return, but for sure it will be soon. He’s already on the pitch, already touching the ball, and the feeling is good.”
When asked whether Palmer could play against Arsenal on Sunday, the Chelsea boss refused to give assurances.
“We are here for tomorrow’s game, a Champions League game,” he said. “After that, we’ll start to think about Arsenal.”
Pressed further on the possibility of Palmer featuring against the Gunners, Maresca added:
“I don’t think so at the moment.”
