Chelsea may have to do without key player Cole Palmer for their upcoming match against Arsenal, as manager Mauricio Pochettino has indicated that the Premier League’s joint-top scorer is likely to be absent due to illness.
With aspirations to maintain pressure on Newcastle United and Manchester United in the race for sixth place, Chelsea, who have a game in hand over their rivals, seek a victory at the Emirates Stadium. A win would level the points for Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester United at 50 each. However, Newcastle holds a superior goal difference, securing sixth place regardless of Chelsea’s result, ahead of their fixture against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Manchester United faces Sheffield United.
Despite the absence of Palmer, who missed training following Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final defeat, Pochettino remains confident in his team’s abilities. While acknowledging Palmer’s significance, he emphasizes the collective effort and the availability of other capable players.
Pochettino also defended striker Nicolas Jackson’s contributions in his debut season, despite missed opportunities in the FA Cup semi-final. He praised Jackson’s progress and emphasized the challenges faced by a young striker in his first season, expressing confidence in Jackson’s improvement in the future.