Cole Palmer Set to Boost Chelsea's Title Hopes

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer available for top-of-table clash

Cole Palmer, who has scored twice in four appearances this season, looks to make an impact against his former club as Chelsea aims to close the six-point gap at the top of the table.

“He is our best player, we are happy he is back, we need to give him time to be 100% fit...”

Chelsea is getting a much-needed boost ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal, as midfielder Cole Palmer has been declared fit for the match. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer is available to start, which is great news for the Blues as they look to close the six-point gap on their London rivals.

Palmer, 23, had been struggling with a groin injury and had recently fractured his toe in a freak accident at home, further delaying his return. Despite these setbacks, he's trained this week and is ready to make an impact against Arsenal.

“He is available to start and to play,” Maresca told reporters.

“Everyone is happy, the teammates are happy, we are all happy and the most important thing is Cole is happy because a footballer wants to play games and make the sessions every day.”

Cole Palmer has been limited to just four appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring twice. However, since joining from Manchester City in 2023, he's been a force to be reckoned with, netting 45 goals and providing 29 assists in 101 matches for the West London club.

“He is our best player, we are happy he is back, we need 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 for this club in the future,” Maresca said.

Chelsea is currently second in the Premier League table with 23 points from 12 matches, but manager Enzo Maresca is keeping his feet on the ground when it comes to title aspirations. He believes it's still too early to be thinking about winning the league, with five to six months still to go in the season.

BREAKING: Cole Palmer is available to start against Arsenal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/yqmR3Foj2q

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 28, 2025

Maresca's cautious approach is understandable, especially considering Chelsea's fourth-place finish last season. Around this time last year, he had ruled out title hopes, but the team has since made progress. “It's too early in any case, if we win or don't,” Maresca said. “Still end of November, still five, six months to go. More important in February, March, then from there we decide if you can achieve something important.”

“I think is for sure different to one year ago. We spend one more year together. We went through a moment where we can learn from that moment.

“But it is still very early. Important to be where we are now in March, April and then we will see.”