Cole Palmer is set to make his return for Chelsea in their upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal, providing a major boost for the Blues. The 23-year-old midfielder has been sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to a groin injury and, more recently, a fractured toe sustained in an accident at home.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Palmer's availability, stating that his return has lifted the spirits of the entire team. "Everyone is happy. The teammates are happy, we are all happy," Maresca said. "The most important thing is that Cole is happy; he needs to play games." Maresca had previously expressed doubt that Palmer would be fit for both the Barcelona game and the Arsenal fixture.

To aid Palmer's recovery, Chelsea has provided him with a specially adapted boot for his injured left foot. Maresca noted that Palmer is already back on the pitch and touching the ball, with a good feeling about his progress.

Maresca acknowledged the significant impact Palmer's return will have on the team, calling him "probably our best player". Despite his limited game time this season, Palmer has managed to score twice in just four appearances.

While Chelsea would ideally ease Palmer back into the team, the importance of the match against Arsenal may prompt Maresca to include him in the starting lineup. In Palmer's absence, Maresca has experimented with alternative options, such as deploying Joao Pedro as a second striker and utilizing Enzo Fernandez as a number 10.

Chelsea enters the London derby against Arsenal trailing their rivals by six points in the Premier League table. Both teams are coming off impressive midweek victories in European competition, with Chelsea defeating Barcelona 3-0 and Arsenal securing a 3-1 win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

In addition to Palmer's return, Chelsea is grappling with other injury concerns. Malo Gusto is a major doubt after being withdrawn at halftime against Barcelona. Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill are also out with thigh and knee injuries, respectively, and Dario Essugo is recovering from a thigh operation.

Arsenal also has their own injury worries. Leandro Trossard was substituted during the first half of their match against Bayern Munich due to feeling "something," making his status uncertain. Gabriel Magalhaes is confirmed to be sidelined due to injury. However, other Arsenal players on the injury list have a chance of returning.