Chelsea star Palmer doubtful for crucial Arsenal clash

Chelsea’s end-of-season run-in has been dealt a blow with the news that top scorer, Cole Palmer, is a major doubt for Tuesday’s crunch English Premier League clash away at leaders Arsenal. The England forward has been struggling with illness, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.

“Today, no [he cannot play],” Pochettino revealed in his pre-match press conference. “We will see tomorrow morning. Today, I don’t believe he can be involved. Even if he is good tomorrow, maybe he is not in a condition to play. We hope he can recover from this situation and be involved with the team.”

The 21-year-old has been a rare bright spark in what has been a difficult first campaign for Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. The former Manchester City youngster has 20 EPL goals so far this term, level with Erling Haaland as the top flight’s leading marksman. His potential absence would be a huge blow to Chelsea’s climb up the standings.

In further injury concerns for the Blues, defenders Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell also face races against time to be fit for the crunch London derby at the Emirates. Chelsea currently sit ninth in the table on 47 points, three behind seventh-placed Manchester United having played a game less.

The Argentine insists his side can challenge Arsenal’s levels in time, saying: “We are confident in one day getting the same level, of course. We are positive and always in football the most important thing is to believe.”