Enzo Maresca hopes to have Cole Palmer available when Chelsea take on Wolves in Premier League action this afternoon.
The Blues fell to a 2-0 defeat to champions Manchester City in their opening game of the season last week but got their first win under their new head coach on Thursday against Swiss side Servette in their Europa Conference League play-off.
Palmer came on in the second-half with Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke getting on the score sheet. But there was concern at full-time when the England international was spotted limping off the pitch, clutching his hamstring.
Maresca however eased any immediate concerns over Palmer’s fitness, explaining post-match he was confident he would be available for the weekend.
Elsewhere, Chelsea remain without Reece James who has two matches left to serve on the four-match ban he received at the end of last season.
The club captain is also nursing a hamstring injury,
Joao Felix completed his permanent move to west London this week and after a bright pre-season with Atletico Madrid, is in contention to make his debut (again) this weekend.
‘In terms of knowing the way we’re going to play, he is probably not ready yet,’ Maresca explained.
‘In terms of physicality, he is ready because he was already playing games there, so it’s just to understand if he needs more time to understand the way we’re going to play. But, overall, I think he can play.’
Pedro Neto came off the bench after an hour against City to make his bow for the Blues and started Thursday’s game at Stamford Bridge.
The Portugal international is unlikely to start this afternoon which could be good news for Madueke after his impressive performance midweek.
‘To give Pedro another game on Sunday after playing 60, 65 minutes is probably too early, but we will see,’ Maresca said.
Wesley Fofana was among those who sat out of the midweek match but will be expected to return to the starting XI to partner Levi Colwill against Wolves.
Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah have all been frozen out of the first-team squad by Maresca with reports also suggesting Axel Disasi is another who is not part of the Italian’s plans.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Wolves
Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Felix, Jackson
Where to watch Wolves vs Chelsea? Kick-off time and TV channel
Wolves vs Chelsea kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 25 August.
However, the match is not available to watch live in the UK.
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