Palmer fit for Chelsea-Arsenal showdown in Premier League

LONDON (AP) — Cole Palmer is ready for Chelsea’s top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday after recovering from a broken toe earlier than expected.

The England striker was reportedly injured in an accident at his home last week. But Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that he is in contention to start against Championship leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

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“Cole’s return is good news and everyone is happy,” Maresca said. “He can help us a lot. He is arguably our best player. Now we have to give him time to be 100% fit.”

Chelsea are second in the table and can close the gap on Arsenal to three points with a victory.

Palmer was close to returning from a groin injury in September when he injured his toe, ruling him out of the wins over Burnley last weekend and Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Arsenal injury news

Leandro Trossard faces tests to see if the striker will be available for Arsenal after being substituted in the first half of the midweek win over Bayern Munich.

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Defender Gabriel is still recovering from an unspecified injury with Brazil this month.

“I’m pretty confident, especially the way Gabi takes every injury and the way he’s going to push everyone, that it’s not going to be that long,” manager Mikel Arteta said.

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AP Football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer