Chelsea are gearing up for a high-stakes Premier League showdown this weekend as they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. The iconic stadium is expected to be a cauldron of pressure, but the Blues arrive with renewed determination under head coach Enzo Maresca.
Following a disappointing midweek outing in the Champions League, Maresca emphasized that the clash with United could serve as a pivotal moment for Chelsea to regain momentum in their campaign. Beyond the collective response of the squad, much of the attention has been directed toward the fitness of Cole Palmer and the growing role of Alejandro Garnacho.
Cole Palmer Injury Update: Fit and Ready for Old Trafford
Concerns arose earlier in the week when Cole Palmer was seen grimacing with pain during Chelsea’s match against Bayern Munich. The attacking midfielder has dealt with minor knocks before, sparking fears he could miss the trip to Manchester.
However, Maresca has provided a reassuring update. Speaking ahead of the match, the Italian coach confirmed that Palmer has recovered well and is expected to feature from the start.
“Palmer is fine, and most likely he will be available to start,” Maresca told reporters. “We had just one training session after returning from Germany, so we are still monitoring the condition of a few players. But overall, he’s doing well and ready to play.”
The news comes as a major boost for Chelsea, as Palmer has become a creative heartbeat in Maresca’s system. His vision, composure, and ability to link midfield with attack have been crucial in keeping Chelsea competitive this season.
Alejandro Garnacho Eyeing First Start Since Chelsea Move
Another major talking point is Alejandro Garnacho. The 21-year-old winger, who made a £40 million move from Manchester United to Chelsea late in August, could be in line for his first start in blue. So far, Garnacho has been limited to cameo appearances against Brentford and Bayern Munich, where his lively performances caught the eye.
Maresca praised the Argentine for his swift adaptation to Chelsea’s style of play. According to the manager, Garnacho has shown enough progress to be seriously considered for a spot in the starting lineup against his former club.
“In the last two games, Garnacho has been excellent coming off the bench,” Maresca explained. “We’re very pleased with how quickly he has adapted to our system and to what we expect from a winger. Is he ready to start? In my opinion, yes—he’s ready for that responsibility.”
A potential start for Garnacho would add an intriguing subplot to the fixture, as he prepares to face Manchester United for the first time since leaving Old Trafford. The atmosphere could be intense, but Maresca believes the youngster has the mentality to cope.
Chelsea’s Challenge at Old Trafford
Chelsea have endured a difficult run at Old Trafford in recent years, failing to win at the venue for over a decade. That streak adds extra significance to this weekend’s clash, especially with United struggling to find consistency under pressure.
Still, Maresca is cautious about underestimating the Red Devils. “United remain a dangerous team,” he noted. “Some of their results don’t reflect the actual performances. Even in matches they lost, they had chances to score first. We know it won’t be easy.”
With Palmer’s return and Garnacho pushing for his first start, Chelsea head into the match with optimism and fresh energy. For the Blues, Sunday night at Old Trafford could mark the beginning of a turning point in their season.
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