Maresca's Dilemma: Palmer Returns, Caicedo Suspended

Cole Palmer set to return as Chelsea face Leeds United

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirms Cole Palmer is available to face Leeds United, while Moises Caicedo faces suspension.

“For sure, again, we are a better team with Cole (Palmer), with Moi (Caicedo), with Levi (Colwill)...”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is available to face Leeds United this week. Palmer, who has been out since September, was on the bench against Arsenal but didn't play. Maresca plans to give him some minutes to build up his fitness.

The Blues are looking to bounce back from their draw against Arsenal, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches. This match is crucial for Chelsea, as they aim to gain ground on league leaders Arsenal. Maresca is eager to secure a win, having never beaten Leeds in a competitive game.

Maresca will be without Moises Caicedo, who is suspended, and Levi Colwill, who is still recovering from an ACL injury. Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are also out with injuries. Reece James is a doubt, and Maresca is managing his minutes carefully.

“For sure, again, we are a better team with Cole (Palmer), with Moi (Caicedo), with Levi (Colwill), but when these players are not available, we need to find solutions. Now we need to do something different. 

“Andrey (Santos) is ready. His position is playing as a No. 6, like Moi, but he is ready. One that can play good in that position is Josh (Acheampong), but we will see.”

James to Replace Caicedo?

Enzo Maresca's been asked about replacing Moises Caicedo, who picked up a red card against Arsenal. He's considering his options, and Reece James could be the one to step up.

James is available for selection, and Maresca's weighing up his midfield options. With Caicedo's suspension, the Italian's got some tough decisions to make.

Reece James is an option to replace Moises Caicedo, having impressed in midfield this season. Maresca's considering it, but he's managing James' minutes carefully with the busy schedule ahead. “It's a possibility,” Maresca said, hinting at the flexibility James brings to the team.

“It's complicated. I would like to start him every game, but we need to see. 

“He can play in both positions. He has been a full-back his whole life. He has also played as a midfielder. He can be good in both positions. When we decide for him as a midfielder, we want physicality in the middle. It depends on the game plan, but as you said, he is doing very well in both positions.” 

"The idea is to start giving Cole Palmer minutes" 💪

Enzo Maresca reflects on the impact of Reece James after his outstanding performance against Arsenal and whether Cole Palmer will make a Chelsea appearance for the first time since September 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hW2rBqPzgu

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 2, 2025

Cole Palmer Set to Make Return Against Leeds

Enzo Maresca is being cautious with Cole Palmer's return, but he's available to start against Leeds United. Palmer's been out for a while, first with a groin injury and then a fractured toe, but he's building up his minutes. Maresca's managing his return carefully, and it's likely he'll start with a cameo appearance off the bench.

“He is available. He was on the bench last game. With 10 players, it was more complicated for Cole because he needs to come back in terms of fitness condition. The idea is to give him some minutes until he can play 90 minutes. 

“Everyone is fine. Romeo (Lavia) is still recovering. Dario (Essugo), he was okay and started some sessions with us. He now needs to slow down a little bit. He will be out again, hopefully nothing important.”