Chelsea injury updates as Enzo Marseca reveals ‘good problem’ before Arsenal clash

Everything you need to know from Enzo Maresca’s press conference ahead of Chelsea’s visit from Arsenal as the top two in the Premier League go head-to-head on Sunday, with Cole Palmer returning

All the top headlines from Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Arsenal…

• Cole Palmer’s Availability: Cole Palmer is confirmed as fit and available to both play and start in the crucial Premier League fixture against Arsenal. Maresca described him as “probably our best player” and expressed happiness at his return, though he acknowledged Palmer still needs time to reach 100% fitness.
• Arsenal’s Defensive Strength: The coach highly praised Arsenal’s ability to defend, stating they “defend fantastically” and make it extremely difficult for opposing teams to create chances. He recognised the Gunners’ formidable position at the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League tables.
• Dismissal of Title Talk: Enzo Maresca downplayed any immediate conversations about Chelsea challenging for the Premier League title this season. He insisted it is “too early” to assess their championship aspirations, suggesting a clearer picture will emerge around February or March.
• Midfield Battle Significance: When asked to compare Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, Maresca refrained from naming them the two best midfielders, noting the Premier League is full of top-quality players. He did, however, concede that the battle in midfield would be a significant factor, but not the only one, in determining the match’s outcome.
• Positive Team Morale: The mood and mindset within the Chelsea squad are currently described as “very good,” following strong recent performances in domestic and European competitions. The most positive aspect for the coach is witnessing the team’s visible improvement and growth.
• Cultivating a Winning Mentality: The manager explained that the only effective way to build a winning mentality is by consistently securing victories, regardless of the specific competition. He also highlighted the increasing importance of certain players who are developing into key leaders within the changing room.
• Latest Injury Updates: Maresca confirmed that the squad had no new injury concerns following their midweek match, besides those already known. He also delivered a positive update by mentioning that Dario Essugo was able to participate in the morning training session.
• Estevao Willian’s Impact: Estevao Willian’s exceptional performances have created a “good problem” for the manager, giving him difficult selection decisions for the starting XI. Maresca is excited about the prospect of Willian and Palmer linking up, while stressing the necessity of maintaining team balance.
• PRESS CONFERENCE IN FULL : Read every word from Maresca’s pre-match press conference here.