Cole Palmer available for Chelsea's clash with Arsenal after fractured toe

Cole Palmer will now be available for Chelsea's games against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Cole Palmer is available to start for Chelsea against Arsenal on Sunday after recovering from a fractured toe, head coach Enzo Maresca announced.

The England forward has not featured since September 20 due to a groin injury and had his return delayed by over a week after stubbing his toe in an accident at home.

It had been feared he would miss the top of the table Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal but, after training with the squad on Friday morning, he is fit to play from the start at Stamford Bridge.

"He is available," said Maresca, whose second-place side can cut the gap at the top to three points with a win.

"Everyone is happy, his teammates are happy. The most important thing is that Cole is happy. Players want to play games.

"He is our best player. We're happy he is back but we need to give him time to be 100 per cent."

The question now for Maresca will be how to accommodate both Palmer and teenage wonder kid Estevao in his side.

The 18-year-old has been a revelation for the Blues since Palmer last featured more than two months ago, scoring the winning goal against Liverpool in October and stealing the show with a sensational finish in Tuesday's 3-0 battering of Barcelona.

Estevao is a young stsr shining brightly for the Blues

Estevao has had his minutes carefully managed following his move from Palmeiras in the summer but it will be difficult for Maresca to leave him if, as looks likely, he continues to establish himself as an indispensable creative asset.

"They can play together," said Maresca. "It depends against which team and the game plan. The fans are excited to watch both together. We are excited but we need balance between (attack and defence.)"

The Italian has previously expressed doubt about Estevao's defensive capabilities, suggesting that fellow winger Pedro Neto offers better protection for the backline.

Contribution to the defensive phase is a central demand made by Maresca of his players, whilst rotation of the squad has also been a theme of Chelsea's season.

"It's always good when the ones that start do the right things," said Maresca. "They give me doubt always for the next game. It's important when they have the chance they do the right things. It's a good problem for the manager always."

It was around this time last season that Maresca first faced questions about his team's ability to mount a title challenge.

He consistently talked down their prospects, which proved prophetic as the team dropped from second at Christmas amid a slump in form and had to fight to qualify for the Champions League.

"I think it's different to one year ago," said Maresca. "We've spent one more year together. We've had moments we can learn from.

"Then again, it's very early. It's important to be where we are now in March, April.

"In 18 months together, these players have shown they can beat teams. In the Premier League last year we had good moments, then against PSG in the Club World Cup final, this season against Liverpool and Barca.

"We are in the right direction."