Maresca delivers major Palmer fitness boost

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer is now ready to complete a full 90 minutes, handing the club a major attacking boost heading into the festive Premier League schedule. The England international had been carefully managed on his return from recent injury issues but has now reached the level of match fitness Maresca and his staff were targeting.
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Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming league fixture, Maresca explained that Palmer has successfully come through a planned progression in his minutes over the past few games. The winger had initially been limited to shorter cameos before building up to around an hour and then over 70 minutes as part of his recovery programme.
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Carefully managed return pays off

Maresca outlined that the club’s medical and performance teams followed a standard step-by-step approach with Palmer, moving from 45 minutes to 60 and then roughly 70 minutes before considering him ready for a full match. With each outing completed without setbacks, the coaching staff are now confident the 23-year-old can start and finish games if required.

The Italian coach highlighted Palmer’s importance to Chelsea’s attacking play, describing his full availability as an “important” development at a time when the team is pushing to climb the table. Palmer’s creativity, goal threat and ability to operate across the front line have made him one of the key figures in Maresca’s system.

Timely boost amid busy schedule

Chelsea have been dealing with several injury concerns this season, and the return of key players to full fitness is seen as essential for maintaining consistency during a congested run of fixtures. With Palmer now capable of lasting the full 90 minutes, Maresca gains greater tactical flexibility, both in terms of his starting XI and in‑game adjustments.

The news arrives at a crucial time, with Chelsea facing a demanding sequence of league matches and needing their main attacking contributors available and firing. For Palmer, being cleared to play the full duration marks the end of his gradual recovery phase and the start of a period where he is expected to resume a central role in Chelsea’s push for points.
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