Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer will return from illness to face Aston Villa, confirms Mauricio Pochettino… but Blues boss reveals two new injuries to leave 12 first team players missing Saturday’s match

Cole Palmer will return to Chelsea’s matchday squad for their clash against Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed. 

The 21-year-old – who remains the joint-top scoring in the league – missed out on Chelsea’s 5-0 hammering by London rivals Arsenal on Tuesday night due to illness.

Palmer was pictured training with team-mates on Thursday afternoon after seemingly overcoming an illness which sidelined him, which Pochettino confirmed.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, ‘We assume he [Palmer] is going to be available and part of the squad, yes.

‘Cole is a very good player for us, a key player for us and he is showing we struggle a little bit without him.’ 

Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the 21-year-old has made a return from illness ahead of the tie

Palmer has been Chelsea’s main source of goals this season, scoring 20 in the Premier League since signing for £42.5million from Manchester City in the summer.

However, despite the good news of Palmer’s return, Chelsea have been struck by yet another injury blow after Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling were ruled out for the tie. 

The Blues stars join the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Reece James and Ben Chilwell on the sidelines – bringing the total number of unavailable stars up to 12. 

It was confirmed on Thursday that Fernandez will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to address a groin injury in time for the Copa America.

According to Argentine outlet Ole, the Chelsea midfielder has been suffering from an inguinal hernia – a problem that affects the groin region between the lower abdomen and the thigh – for over a month.

Fernandez’s girlfriend Valentina Cervantes shared a photo of the couple in hospital, after the World Cup winner had undergone surgery.

Palmer was pictured back in Chelsea’s first-team training at Cobham on Thursday afternoon

However, Carney Chukwuemeka (left) and Raheem Sterling (right) have both been ruled out

A Chelsea statement on Thursday night read: ‘Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023/24 season.

‘The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.’

The World Cup winner is expected to be out of action for approximately three weeks, before returning in time for the Copa America, which kicks off on June 20 in the United States.