Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been handed a double fitness boost after Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke returned to training on Friday.
Palmer had started every Premier League game this season before he was forced to miss the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal with a muscle injury.
The Chelsea start subsequently withdrew from Thomas Tuchel‘s England squad to give him time to rest and recover ahead of the return of Premier League action.
There was some concern about Palmer’s fitness status when it was reported on Thursday that he was yet to return to training at Chelsea’s Cobham base.
🚨🔵 Cole Palmer, back in training with Chelsea squad today as well as Noni Madueke. pic.twitter.com/OGuSLl5q94
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2025
Palmer, Madueke return to training
However, Chelsea fans would have been delighted to see images on social media of Palmer taking part in Friday’s training.
Palmer has failed to score in his last seven Premier League matches, but he is still the best attacker in the Chelsea squad.
The playmaker has registered 14 goals and provided seven assists in 33 competitive appearances this season, highlighting why his return to training represents a significant boost ahead of Thursday’s home meeting with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Like Palmer, Madueke also made his return to training on Friday after missing the last six competitive matches with a hamstring issue.
Madueke has not featured for Chelsea since being forced off in the first half of a 3-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on February 14.
Chelsea confirm Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke are both back in training.🔵 pic.twitter.com/U5EVyGJ6zz
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 28, 2025
Who are Chelsea’s other injury concerns?
Forward Nicolas Jackson could also be available for the meeting with Tottenham after he was seen working on the grass earlier this week.
However, Chelsea are still expected to be without young forward Marc Guiu for their return to Premier League action.
The 19-year-old has been on the sidelines since being forced off in the 2-1 win over West Ham United on February 3.
Another youngster, Omari Kellyman, confirmed earlier this month that he will miss the rest of the season after he suffered a fresh injury setback.
