EPL: Maresca shares squad updates ahead Leeds game, says Palmer available
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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has provided squad updates ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Leeds at Elland Road.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Maresca confirmed that Cole Palmer, who was an unused substitute against Arsenal is now available for selection.
The 23-year-old, however, will need careful management as he builds back to full fitness.
“He is available,” Maresca said. “In the last game, Cole was on the bench, but with ten players, it was more complicated for him. The idea is to start giving him minutes until he is ready to play 90 minutes.”
Chelsea will also be without long-term absentee Levi Colwill, who is recovering from an ACL injury, as well as midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia. Maresca added: “Romeo is still trying to recover. Dario started some sessions but now needs to slow down a little, so he will be out again. The rest are all fine.”
Reece James starred in midfield against Arsenal and was voted Player of the Match by Chelsea fans, but Maresca suggested the 25-year-old is unlikely to start against Leeds. “I would like to start him, but we need to do the right thing,” he said.
