Chelsea are reportedly hoping Cole Palmer fully returns from injury ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona.
The Blues are optimistic that Palmer, who has been sidelined since September, will be able to return before the end of the month.
Hansi Flick’s team will visit Stamford Bridge to face the Blues who have performed well in Palmer’s absence on November 25.
According to the Daily Mail as reported by The Mirror, Palmer, a former Man City player, would relish taking part in such a historic match.
However, the report also states that because the attacker is too crucial to Chelsea’s season , they do not want to rush him back at the risk of causing more harm.
Palmer has missed Chelsea’s last 11 games across all competitions due to a groin problem.
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The England international has not returned to the pitch since hobbling off early in his team’s Premier League loss at Manchester United.
Maresca Hopes Palmer Return In Time For Barcelona Clash
Speaking last week prior to Chelsea’s Champions League trip to Azerbaijan, Maresca expressed optimism that Palmer will be fit enough to play a part against the Catalan giants Chelsea Eye Palmer Injury Return Ahead Barcelona Clash this month.
He said: “We hope so [he will be available vs Barca], but with Cole we try to plan, we try to schedule, you know, at the beginning. Then we need to review that.
“So in this moment we go day by day with Cole. He’s not taking any session with the team. And we have Benoit Badiashile that probably can be available after the international break and that is huge news for us.
“To be honest, I would like to have Cole here tomorrow. I would like to have Cole early. I said many times that we are a better team with Cole.
“Unfortunately for us, he’s out, he’s injured, but for sure we want him back very soon.”
By Habeeb Kuranga
