Cole Palmer is fit to start as Chelsea travel to face Manchester United in the Premier League today, while Alejandro Garnacho is on the bench against his former club.
The England star has struggled with a groin injury all season so far and started for the first time since the opening day of the season against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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Palmer was seen clutching his leg at the end of the 3-1 defeat in Bavaria, raising fresh concerns about his fitness before the trip to Old Trafford.
However, Enzo Maresca offered a positive update on Palmer’s fitness on Friday, though admitted there were other new doubts lingering in his squad that would need to be assessed.
“Cole is okay,” said the Chelsea boss. “We have a session now, we flew back yesterday [Thursday]. We need to assess some players; we have some doubt. We didn't have a session since Wednesday's game, but we will see.”
Maresca has opted to name Garnacho among the substitutes despite claiming the winger was ready to make his first start for Chelsea on his swift return to Old Trafford following a £40million move from Manchester United last month.
“In the last two games, he was very good when he came on,” Maresca said. “So, we are happy with the way he has adapted to our style and what we want from the winger. I think he is ready to start.”
Maresca wasn’t able to confirm the progress of Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile, who have both been out injured since the Club World Cup but took part in training at Cobham this week.
Chelsea remain without longer-term absentees Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo, with Mykhailo Mudryk still unavailable.
Maresca’s side are looking to get back to winning ways this weekend by securing their first victory at Old Trafford in 12 years.
Fabio Carvalho’s stoppage-time strike denied the Blues three points away at Brentford in their last Premier League game before falling to a defeat by Bayern on their return to Europe.
While Chelsea remain unbeaten in the league this term, they are striving for more consistency as they look to challenge for the title after another summer of heavy spending.
Confirmed team news
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James (c), Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro
Substitutes: Jorgensen, Gusto, Tosin, Hato, Santos, Garnacho, George, Gittens, Guiu
