Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is finally able to play for 90 minutes after months of struggling with physical problems.
The information was confirmed by coach Enzo Maresca this Wednesday (24), in the team’s preparation for the clash against the packed Aston Villa, scheduled for Saturday, by .
Palmer had been used on a limited basis due to a groin injury and a broken toe, but, according to Maresca, the point guard successfully completed the process of returning to the field, following a careful progression of minutes.
“I think he (Palmer) is ready to play 90 minutes. The progression for a player is 45 minutes, an hour, 70”, told journalists, before the home match against Villa.
“He already played an hour against Everton. He played more than 70 minutes against Newcastle, so I think the progression is there”, added the coach.
The Italian coach also confirmed the return of two more players who were in the medical department. Striker Liam Delap has recovered from a shoulder injury suffered at the beginning of the month, while winger Estêvão is again available after a muscle problem that ruled him out of the last two matches.
“O Stephen is backavailable for Saturday. He and also Liam Delap… So I’m very happy for both of them”, said Maresca.
Maresca suspension at the edge of the field
Maresca himself, however, will not be on the sidelines on Saturday (27). The coach will be suspended after receiving his third yellow card of the season. The Italian had already been punished previously, in October, when he was sent off in the match against Liverpool.
“Yes, in almost 100 games, I was suspended three times. Once for celebrations and twice for yellow cards”, he explained.
“Unfortunately I will be in the stands, but Willy (Caballero) will be there, Danny (Walker) will be there, the coaching staff will be there”, he added.
Maresca also made a point of praising the growth of Reece James, who has been regaining prominence after overcoming physical problems in recent seasons. Team captain, the full-back was decisive in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle, scoring a free kick.
“He’s growing in terms of leadership and playing more and more minutes. That’s why we’re happy, because he can be fit and healthy. We know he can be here as a leader,” said the coach.
“He is one of the main players for different reasons. He is from our house, a player trained at the youth level. He is the captain. When he is in form, he is one of the best players we have, without a doubt”, he added.
Challenge against the packed Aston Villa
The will have a tough test against the , which appears in fourth position. The confrontation could be decisive for eventual title ambitions.
Maresca recognized the strength of the team led by Unai Emery, which is going through a great phase, with 10 consecutive victories in all competitions.
“They are having a fantastic season, this season, last season and for years with Unai”, he highlighted.
“It’s very clear what they do, the way they want to play. They are, at the moment, full of confidence. That’s very important in a football team,” he concluded.
