Enzo Maresca makes concerning admission over Cole Palmer's fitness | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that talisman Cole Palmer could miss out on the club's Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

Palmer hasn't trained since being on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez last weekend.

Martinez was shown a yellow card for the tackle which caught the Chelsea star on his right knee, with Maresca adamant following the final whistle that it was insufficient punishment.

Palmer can't turn out for Chelsea in the Conference League against little known Armenian opponent Noah on Thursday, having been deliberately left out of the squad to ensure he can rest given his status as one of the club's most important players. But Maresca has confirmed it would be a risk for him to play against Arsenal if his condition doesn't improve before the weekend.

Palmer was hurt in a challenge at Old Trafford / Carl Recine/GettyImages

"For sure, [it is a risk at this stage]," the boss explained.

"He didn't train the past two days, hopefully he can be fit. The tackle, I think it is quite clear, was not a normal one. Hopefully he can be back."

Even without Palmer, Chelsea have enjoyed a healthy goalscoring start in the Conference League. The Blues have netted four times each against Gent and Panathinaikos across the first two matchdays to lead the standings. Fans will hope for another glut of goals for the visit of Noah to Stamford Bridge, although the minnows have conceded only once in the league phase so far.

Chelsea were forced to settle for a point against Manchester United but still sit above an out of form Arsenal in the Premier League table on goal difference. They will stay ahead of the Gunners on Sunday with anything other than defeat in the game at Stamford Bridge.