Delap ruled out for 12 weeks but Palmer closing in on Chelsea return
The Blues talisman missed the last two Premier League games
Enzo Maresca has been under the microscope in his latest press conference but gave plenty of answers to burning questions ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League return.
The Blues take on Brentford on Saturday night in another London derby, their fourth of the season already.
But their last two outings have been without talisman Cole Palmer, who picked up a knock in the warm-up ahead of their thrashing of West Ham before the international break.
However, the England star could be in line to return this week, according to his head coach.
He said: “Cole took part in the session yesterday for the first time, not the entire session.
“We have one more session this afternoon and we are going to try with him to see if he’s okay, otherwise he will be out tomorrow.
“He is recovering from an injury, it’s not managing him, it’s recovering from an injury. When he is available, we need to manage him because of the amount of games.”
Maresca also hinted that summer signing Alejandro Garnacho could be in line for his first Chelsea appearance.
He added: “He is working well. For sure, he needs to work because he arrived here not 100% fit. He needs to work. He is working well and we will see. Hopefully we can give him minutes.”
In some slightly worse news for the West London club, Maresca confirmed that Liam Delap’s hamstring strain he suffered against Fulham will keep him out for 12 weeks.
No comment on charges
With news breaking this week that Chelsea have been handed 74 financial charges relating to various breaches, including agents fees not being recorded properly, the issue was bound to be raised in Maresca’s latest conference.
But the Italian was giving nothing up in terms of information, with the head coach towing the club line that they have co-operated fully with the investigation.
He said: “I know from the club that they are satisfied about the process. Personally, I have nothing to add. I have no idea, to be honest. I want to focus on the pitch, something I can control.
“The rest is not in my hands.”