Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca confirms Cole Palmer is back in squad for Leeds clash, while key players remain unavailable due to injuries

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed the return of midfielder Cole Palmer to the squad ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road.

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The announcement was made during a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.

Palmer, 23, who was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s previous 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, is now available for selection.

Maresca cautioned that the young midfielder will be gradually eased back to full fitness.

“He is available. In the last game, Cole was on the bench, but with ten players, it was more complicated for him. The idea is to start giving him minutes until he is ready to play 90 minutes,” Maresca said.

Chelsea will still be without long-term absentee Levi Colwill, who continues to recover from an ACL injury, alongside midfielders Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia.

Maresca added: “Romeo is still trying to recover. Dario started some sessions but now needs to slow down a little, so he will be out again. The rest are all fine.”

Reece James, who starred in midfield against Arsenal and earned Chelsea fans’ Player of the Match vote, is unlikely to start against Leeds, with Maresca emphasizing careful management of key players.

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The squad update provides clarity for Chelsea supporters as the Blues prepare to strengthen their position in the Premier League table amid injury concerns.