Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has eased concerns over Cole Palmer's fitness after the forward received treatment during Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal. Palmer went down off the ball late in the first half but returned to play 86 minutes before being substituted.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Rosenior confirmed Palmer's issue was not a recurrence of his groin problem. 'He took a knock. He was absolutely fine,' Rosenior said. 'He'll be absolutely fine to start on Wednesday.'
Palmer, 23, has endured an injury-hit season with a persistent groin issue, a fractured toe, and a thigh strain. He is expected to feature in Wednesday's crucial trip to Aston Villa, where Chelsea trail their top-four rivals by six points with 10 games remaining.
Marc Cucurella is likely to miss the Villa match due to a hamstring injury but could return for Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Wrexham. Rosenior also confirmed Estevao is back in training after a hamstring problem, while Jamie Gittens continues his recovery from a hamstring tear.
Wesley Fofana is available after suspension, but Pedro Neto is banned for one game following his red card against Arsenal. Dario Essugo has returned to training, while Levi Colwill remains sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
