Maresca confirms Palmer is ‘ready’ for Leeds clash

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media as he prepares to take on Leeds United this week.

Chelsea’s draw against Arsenal extended the club’s unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions as the Blues forge a title charge against their London rivals. Maresca has never beaten Leeds in a competitive game and will seek to leave Elland Road this week with a much-needed three points.

James to replace Caicedo?

However, the Italian will be without Moises Caicedo who picked up a red card against the Gunners after a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino, and he was asked how he could replace him.

“For sure, again, we are a better team with Cole (Palmer), with Moi (Caicedo), with Levi (Colwill), but when these players are not available, we need to find solutions. Now we need to do something different.

“Andrey (Santos) is ready. His position is playing as a No. 6, like Moi, but he is ready. One that can play good in that position is Josh (Acheampong), but we will see.”

England star Reece James may also be an option for Maresca as the full-back has thrived both in defence and in midfield this season. The Italian said it is certainly a possibility but he has to manage his minutes as the football calendar heats up.

“It’s complicated. I would like to start him every game, but we need to see.

“He can play in both positions. He has been a full-back his whole life. He has also played as a midfielder. He can be good in both positions. When we decide for him as a midfielder, we want physicality in the middle. It depends on the game plan, but as you said, he is doing very well in both positions.”

Palmer returns

Leeds’ last win over Chelsea came in their last meeting at Elland Road back in 2022, a 3-0 over former manager Thomas Tuchel’s team. Maresca will be cautious heading into the game, with tactics but also with the returning Cole Palmer, who he says could start the game as he gave some team news.

“He is available. He was on the bench last game. With 10 players, it was more complicated for Cole because he needs to come back in terms of fitness condition. The idea is to give him some minutes until he can play 90 minutes.

“Everyone is fine. Romeo (Lavia) is still recovering. Dario (Essugo), he was okay and started some sessions with us. He now needs to slow down a little bit. He will be out again, hopefully nothing important.”