Maresca Reveals Latest on Cole Palmer's Concerning Injury Scare

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca revealed during his Friday press briefing that Cole Palmer is "currently fit for selection" but suggested the player had concluded Thursday's training session not feeling entirely sharp.

Following a problematic groin problem and fractured toe that sidelined Palmer for 16 matches in all competitions, the England star returned for the scoreless stalemate against Bournemouth before missing the midweek loss to Atalanta.

Maresca emphasized that Palmer's omission from the Atalanta match was merely part of his natural rehabilitation process and not cause for alarm. The 23-year-old has now resumed training, though the manager's recent comments suggested another possible concern.

"He's fine," Maresca declared. "He's improving. He's currently available for selection. We have another training session this afternoon.

"Yesterday he completed the session with us but had mixed sensations, though overall he's doing well."

In contrast, Maresca's assessment of center-back Wesley Fofana, who was also rested against Atalanta, was entirely encouraging.

"He's ready, he's good," Maresca stated about the French defender. "He participated in yesterday's session and he's completely healthy."

Maresca Explains Reasoning Behind Limited Acheampong Opportunities

Fofana's midweek omission created an opportunity for 19-year-old Josh Acheampong, one of the most promising young talents in Chelsea's roster.

Maresca has fielded inquiries regarding his restricted deployment of the teenage defender recently and has consistently maintained it's simply about being patient. Acheampong seized the chance given to him against Atalanta with a superb individual display that Maresca acknowledged impressed him.

"Definitely [positive] yes, definitely yes," Maresca commented. "And what's great about Josh is that whenever we provide him the opportunity, he consistently delivers well.

"And that's why I've mentioned repeatedly that for him, he will become an important player for this club. It's just about being patient, waiting for the proper moment, and also when you keep performing the way he's doing, likely he'll get more opportunities, opportunities, opportunities.

"Right now, also with Trev [Chalobah] and Wes [Fofana], we've had about four, five, six matches with clean sheets, clean sheets, clean sheets. So sometimes you're also seeking consistency. That's the reasoning.

"But again, when you understand that you have a player who when you require him, he's always prepared to deliver, it's very valuable. So Josh must keep doing what he's been doing."