Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer is ready to start for Chelsea FC as they prepare to visit AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Enzo Maresca: Cole Palmer Is Ready to Start in Bournemouth Clash
The Blues head coach made the comments ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture, as Chelsea look to bounce back after a tough defeat to Leeds United.
Palmer returned to action midweek at Elland Road, entering the match just after the hour with roughly 30 minutes left his first appearance since last playing against Manchester United on 20 September.
In that brief time, the 23-year-old impressed with his energy and involvement as Chelsea searched for a breakthrough.
Maresca, however, was careful to temper expectations about a full 90-minute run.
“I don’t know [if he can play] 90 minutes,” the Italian said at Friday’s press conference with CFC, “but Cole is ready to play from the start.”
Alongside Palmer’s potential return, Maresca also revealed that captain Reece James could come back into contention after being an unused substitute against Leeds.
With several players sidelined including Moises Caicedo suspended, and others like Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia injured the squad remains stretched.
Maresca stressed the vital need to respond positively from the Leeds loss, warning that Bournemouth are likely to bring the same intensity.
He said the players must learn from their mistakes and approach this match with renewed focus and energy.
If picked, Palmer would make his first league start of the season — a move that underlines Chelsea’s desire to reintroduce their creative spark as quickly as possible.
