COLE PALMER will road test his knee injury tomorrow in the hope of being ready for club and country.
Chelsea’s star forward is recovering after taking a whack during last Sunday’s match at Manchester United and underwent a scan.
He is already walking comfortably and enjoyed dinner in the Stamford Bridge press room while watching his team-mates destroy Armenian minnows Noah 8-0 in the Conference League last night.
Chelsea face a crunch clash with top-four rivals Arsenal on Sunday with Palmer also in a race to be fit for England’s Nations League double-header next week.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca said: “He’s better. He’s getting better.
“If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn’t mean he is completely fit.
“He’s getting better. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision.”
Palmer was in the press room for Thursday’s match, alongside teammate Levi Colwill.
The pair tucked into complimentary lemon sponge and custard as the Blues racked up the goals.
Chelsea and Arsenal face each other level on points but with Maresca’s side one place above the Gunners in the Premier League table on goal difference.
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Fourth-placed Chelsea have lost only twice in the league this season – against current leaders Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City.
Maresca thrives on the pressure of taking on the title challengers with his team now firmly in the mix at the top end of the table after two years in the doldrums.
Arsenal finished second to City last year and new Chelsea boss Maresca says it is no coincidence because both clubs have long-serving managers.
The Italian said: “I like to get pressure from these kinds of games. The pressure is also for us. For sure, Arsenal are the closest one with City.
“I consider both of them better than the rest.
“The reason why is because one club is working with the same manager for nine years, and the other one is working with the same manager for five years, and this is a big, big, big advantage compared to the rest. So for me, that’s why they are better than the rest.
“But we’re going to try on Sunday to make life difficult for them. We’re going to try our best.
SUNSPORT'S Dan King rates Chelsea's young guns after their flood of goals against Noah.
FILIP JORGENSEN – 7
Kept out shot before floodgates opened at other end. Made other sharp saves, including late brave one. Looks a solid No 2.
AXEL DISASI – 7
Out of position for early Noah chance but in right place to head in third. Good link-up with George on the right.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 7
Recovered from shaky start defensively to open scoring and his own Chelsea account. Steadier after the break.
BENOIT BADIASHILE – 6
Like Tosin, not entirely convincing as Noah created a few first-half openings, although made one good block. Also better in 2nd half.
RENATO VEIGA – 5
Couple of early mistakes, one of which could have been costly, set tone. Not as impressive as in previous ECL games.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 8
On his own in midfield in the first half yet was able to provide three assists, two from corners, and look very comfortable.
TYRIQUE GEORGE – 8
Teenage winger made most of first senior start, beating opponents at will and sending in dangerous crosses. Worked back, too.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7
Looked less hungry to tuck in to goal buffet. But went up front for 2nd half and scored twice after missing two good chances.
JOAO FELIX – 8
At it from the start, missed an early chance but then scored twice in a swaggering first half. Disappointed not to complete hat-trick.
MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 7
Much quieter than George until he cut inside and smashed home with confidence that had seemed lacking. Decent workrate.
MARC GUIU – 7
The 18-year-old striker worked hard as ever and got his reward, bagging his first Chelsea goal and stealing ball ahead of Felix’s first.
SUBS
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (for Guiu, HT) – 6
Some neat touches and won penalty for eighth Blues goal.
CESARE CASADEI (for Fernandez, HT) – 6
Found life as easy as Enzo, yet unable to make the same creative impact.
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (for George, 68) – 5
Took a while to get going and missed decent chance to make it nine.
SAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (for Nkunku, 80) – 6
Teenager mostly composed on first-team debut but shot over bar with goal gaping.
“We’re always looking for something different, no matter if it’s Arsenal or another team, to see how we can attack and defend in the right way.
“We did that this season against any team. For sure, Arsenal is the closest one to the best team in England, that is City.
“But we’re going to try to do our game, prepare in the best way we can and try to win.”
