Liam Delap will replace Alejandro Garnacho in the Chelsea starting lineup when they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea will be eager to continue the recent winning run when they welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening. Enzo Maresca has received a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Cole Palmer is available to take on Arsenal after recovering from a groin injury and a stubbed toe. However, Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo (thigh), and Romeo Lavia (hamstring) remain in the treatment room.
Additionally, Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension is no closer to ending, as the Ukrainian winger failed a doping test several months ago. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Maresca provided a fitness update on Palmer. He also conveyed good news on Essugo.
The Chelsea manager said, “Yes, Cole is available for both [to play and to start]. We are looking okay [after Barcelona]. Dario Essugo also took part of the session this morning, which is good news too.”
“Having Cole back is good news and everyone is happy. The fans are happy, his team-mates are happy and the most important thing is that Cole is happy [to be back] because in the end, players want to play games and make the training sessions every day.”
“He can help us a lot. He is probably our best player and we are happy he is back. Now we have to give him time to be 100 per cent fit. He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do very good things for this club in the future.”
Robert Sanchez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Arsenal on Sunday. The backline will feature Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella.
As for the midfield unit, Reece James will line up alongside Moises Caicedo in the double pivot again, with Enzo Fernandez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Liam Delap will lead the line for the home side against Arsenal, with Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian being the two wide attackers. So, Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho will be the backup options on the bench for the Blues.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Estevao, Fernandez, Neto; Delap