Chelsea’s Secret Weapon Returns: Palmer Poised to Reignite Clash with Arsenal
28 November 2025
Overview
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has declared Cole Palmer ready to face Arsenal on Sunday, as the Premier League’s matchweek 13 action arrives.
In his pre-match press conference, the Italian spoke at length about the squad’s preparations and ambitions this season, and the contrast with their clash against the Gunners after beating Barcelona.
Maresca began by emphasising Palmer's return to the starting lineup after a long spell on the sidelines.
Palmer is available to start, and the mood across the group is upbeat, with teammates pleased for him and eager to play daily.
Palmer has featured just four times this campaign, his last appearance coming in Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Manchester United on September 20. After recovering from a thigh injury, he was expected to return this month but suffered a fracture to a toe at home, keeping him out of the wins over Burnley and Barcelona.
Maresca highlighted Palmer's value to the team, saying he is the best player we have and that he deserves time to reach full 100% readiness. He believes Palmer performed superbly in the past and will continue to shine for the club in the future.
Asked about the title race should Chelsea beat Arsenal, the coach remained cautious, noting it’s still November with five or six months to go.
The Italian also contrasted Chelsea's current setup with last season, stressing that they've spent more time together and learned from key moments, but that it is still early and March and beyond will reveal the bigger picture.
On the Barcelona win and the upcoming Arsenal tie, Maresca said beating Barca felt amazing, but Sunday offers another big test, with three points still just that—three points. He added that they will push hard to win and then assess the result.
Regarding Arsenal's current strengths, he praised their solid defending and relentless attack, acknowledging they sit top of the league and in the Champions League.
When asked to compare midfielders Moisés Caicedo and Declan Rice with the league's best, Maresca noted the Premier League is full of excellent midfielders, including Rodri and other standout players, illustrating the depth of quality across the division.
The clash on Sunday is important but not the only piece of the puzzle; 11 on the field, plus substitutes, form part of the bigger picture for Chelsea this season.
Maresca described the team’s mentality and mood as excellent this season, arguing they are growing and better in March and April, as they navigate both league and European competition.
He closed by reflecting on last season’s lessons and Chelsea’s capacity to compete with big teams, acknowledging that wins and losses will come, but the club continues to challenge any opponent.
