Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has taken aim at the slightly over the top speculation concerning Blues star Cole Palmer's injury. CFC entertain Arsenal at the weekend, and one ultra talented footballer is receiving much attention in particular. Some observers may be excused if they assumed what Maresca said equated to an injury boost for the west Londoners. Was it really?
Indeed, there were positives to take from the Italian's typically ambiguous fitness report. But disinformation is on the up from Premier League bosses regarding assessments of their own assets. The comical audacity of the former Leicester City head to criticise certain outlets is noted as well. Nonetheless, we still don't know if Palmer will be available for the Gunners showdown on Sunday. But we still assess what was said for the millions of Chelsea supporters and Fantasy Football fans around the world.
In the meantime, we look at the latest Blues starlet to break through to the senior CFC side and impress whilst doing so. While one occasionally forgotten and certainly underestimated Blue may about to enjoy somewhat of a renaissance at Stamford Bridge. Who is the new up-and-coming winger on Fulham Road? And what's going on with the out of favour Mykhailo Mudryk?
News and expectations on two Chelsea wingmen
First of all, let's begin by briefly discussing Ukraine international Mudryk. The polarising winger still hasn't solidified a starting place in the Blues XI.
Well, that's not exactly true. He's actually a prime and integral member of the dazzling CFC second team. The group play in League Cup and Europa Conference League matches together.
And Mudryk is a standout among them. In fact, in just three 2024/25 Conference League outings, he's bagged a couple of goals. Not to mention the attacker supplying three assists to teammates.
According to this story, the constantly improving 23-year-old is pushing for a start in the top-flight. Elsewhere in the 8-0 thrashing of FC Noah, Tyrique George is also said to have impressed by media. Keep an eye out for the 18-year-old prodigy.
Enzo Maresca unimpressed with press comments
During his pre-match press conference before clashing with English capital and EPL rivals Arsenal, Maresca made a few interesting remarks. Whilst not really giving any clarity on Palmer's situation, he did confirm the player is "getting better".
"football.london spotted Palmer pre-match, around 90 minutes before Chelsea versus FC Noah was due to kick off, walking into Stamford Bridge - surrounded by four security guards - with no sign of a limp whatsoever"football.london
Yet the 44-year-old clearly wasn't pleased with the above quote and said the following:
"He’s getting better. (Just because) he can walk and have dinner it doesn’t mean he is completely fit but we still have two days to prepare the game. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least Saturday and then we’ll take a decision"Enzo Maresca