John Terry speaks on “massive boost” for Chelsea after big news ahead of Arsenal clash

John Terry has stated it’s a massive boost for Chelsea to have Cole Palmer back, but doesn’t think he’ll start against Arsenal.

The Blues welcome the Gunners to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon in a top of the table clash, looking for a first win over their rivals since 2021.

Chelsea head into the game in second, six points behind the Gunners and a win would see them cut the gap in half, and put them in the title conversation at this stage of the season.

John Terry on Cole Palmer return

Chelsea were handed a huge boost after Enzo Maresca confirmed Palmer was fit and available after an injury plagued start to the season.

Palmer has struggled with a groin injury, and then suffered a fractured toe in an accident at home, whilst he last played for the Blues on 20th September.

Palmer’s in line to make his first appearance since September against Arsenal. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Chelsea have done well in his absence, and have scored 23 goals in the league, with only Arsenal and Manchester City scoring more.

Seeing Palmer back in the match day squad will give the fans a huge lift as well, but Terry doesn’t think the England international will start.

“Cole Palmer is back and it’s a massive boost for the football club to have such a top player back involved, but also more importantly for him to get 20/30 minutes in his legs, ready for the rest of the season,” he said on TikTok.

@johnterry26 Palmer is back, team selection, London Derby and set plays 👊🏻💙 #chelsea #chelseafc ♬ original sound – John Terry

Enzo Maresca faces selection headache

The return of Palmer has left Maresca with a selection headache in terms of who to drop to make room for the 23-year-old.

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Maresca has been very careful when managing players after they’ve been injured, and having not played for more than two months it would be a surprise if he threw Palmer straight back in.

It’s likely he’ll find himself on the bench, and then start against either Leeds or Bournemouth next week, with the games coming thick and fast in the build up to Christmas.