COLE PALMER remains a doubt for Chelsea’s crunch home clash against rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
The Blues’ brightest spark Palmer is yet to train this week after he was cut down by Lisandro Martinez in Chelsea’s drab 1-1 draw with Man Utd.
In stoppage time, Red Devils defender Martinez lived up to his “Butcher” name after he lunged into a tackle with Blues playmaker Palmer and caught him on the knee with this studs.
Martinez escaped a red card following a review by VAR after Robert Jones’ initial on-field decision of a yellow card was upheld.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was fuming with the decision and confirmed that Palmer was handed an ice pack in the dressing room.
Palmer has not trained since the reckless challenge.
The club organised a precautionary scan for the England star to get official confirmation ahead of their meeting with Arsenal.
But there could be an easy explanation for Palmer’s absence at Cobham.
Palmer was never going to be involved in Thursday night’s Conference League tie due to not being named in the squad for the league phase.
Nevertheless Maresca has offered some clarity in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of their clash against FC Noah.
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Asked if playing Palmer on Sunday would be a risk, Maresca said: “Yes, for sure. He didn’t train the last two days.
“Hopefully he can be fit. The tackle, it is quite clear it was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back.
“Cole didn’t train yesterday, we will see today if he is able to train with us.
“Will he be fit for Arsenal? We hope so, we need to wait and seen and then decide.”
Jadon Sancho, the summer signing from United, remains unavailable after suffering a knock in training.
While Palmer’s absence would no doubt be huge, several stars could now be handed their chance at impressing in his place.
One of those is Joao Felix, who is yet to start in the Premier League since rejoining the club for £45m from Atletico Madrid over the summer.
Maresca said: “I feel a shame about Joao, but not only about Joao.
“I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League. We need defensive balance.
“We cannot play with Joao, Cole and Christopher Nkunku. I like to put all of them on the pitch but then you also have to defend.”
CHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.
Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.
But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.
Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…
Robert Sanchez – 3
Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.
That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.
His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.
Malo Gusto – 2
Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.
Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.
Wesley Fofana – 6
A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.
Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.
Levi Colwill – 6
That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.
For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.
Reece James – 5
Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.
More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.
Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.
Moises Caicedo – 9
Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.
Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.
Romeo Lavia – 8
Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.
Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.
Noni Madueke – 6
Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.
Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.
Cole Palmer – 7
In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.
Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.
Pedro Neto – 5
Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.
Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.
Nicolas Jackson – 5
Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.
Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.
In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.
Subs
Marc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5
A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4
Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.
Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2
Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.
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