Enzo Maresca has delivered an update on the fitness of Cole Palmer ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Brentford this weekend.

The Chelsea boss revealed in his press conference that Palmer only recently returned to training, raising doubts about his involvement in the match.

“Cole took part in the session yesterday for the first time, not the entire session,” Maresca explained.

“We have one more session this afternoon and we are going to try with him to see if he’s okay, otherwise he will be out tomorrow.”

The update will worry Chelsea fans, as Palmer has been one of the most influential players under Maresca. His creativity and eye for goal have often been the difference in tight games, and his absence could leave a big gap in attack.

Maresca was keen to clarify that Palmer’s situation is not about carefully rotating him, but rather about recovery from an actual setback.

“He is recovering from an injury, it’s not managing him, it’s recovering from an injury,” the Italian stressed.

Even when Palmer is cleared to return, Maresca admitted the workload will have to be carefully monitored, especially with the relentless fixture schedule Chelsea face across domestic and European competitions.

“When he is available, we need to manage him because of the amount of games,” Maresca added.

Chelsea supporters will be hoping Palmer comes through Friday’s final session unscathed and is available to face Brentford.

However, Maresca’s words suggest that if there is any doubt about his fitness, the Blues will not take risks.