Palmer Poised for a Full 90: Chelsea’s Return Mission Ahead of Villa Clash

Palmer Poised for a 90-Minute Return

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer is fit to play full matches again after months battling injuries.

Chelsea are gearing up to face Aston Villa on Saturday in the Premier League’s round 18.

Palmer sustained a thigh injury along with a fractured toe, but Maresca believes he has completed the comeback through careful, gradual minutes.

Maresca told reporters: "I think Palmer is ready for 90 minutes; the progression for any player is 45 minutes, then an hour, and after that 70 minutes."

He added: "He already featured for an hour against Everton, and more than 70 minutes versus Newcastle, so there is clear development."

Meanwhile, striker Liam Delap is recovering from a shoulder injury suffered earlier this month. Brazilian winger Estêvão has also returned from a muscle issue that kept him out of the last two games.

But Maresca concluded: "Estêvão is back and available for Saturday, and so is Liam Delap, which makes me very happy for both of them."

Punchline 1: If Palmer lasts 90 minutes, we might need an intermission at the stadium—think of it as a commercial for his comeback.

Punchline 2: And if the medical staff keep delivering, maybe Chelsea should bill the bench for overtime—endurance training, 1-0 to the equipment crew.