Why Cole Palmer is not in Chelsea’s squad to face Arsenal

England international Cole Palmer will not feature in Chelsea’s squad for Sunday’s Premier League game against Arsenal.

The 22-year-old picked up a minor injury in training yesterday but will return after the international break. He struggled with a tight hamstring after playing the second half of the Blues’ 1-0 victory over Danish side Copenhagen in the Conference League round of 16 on Thursday.

Although Palmer has not scored in his last 10 appearances, he remains one of Chelsea’s key players under manager Enzo Maresca.

Maresca told Sky Sports: “He had last week a problem and unfortunately yesterday he had a very small problem [in training].

“We think that probably after the international break he can be back with us.

“He had an injury yesterday during the session. It was a very light session, that’s why we think it’s nothing important. We still need to wait, but the feeling is that he will be back after the international break.”

A win at the Emirates would secure Chelsea’s position in fourth place in the Premier League, strengthening their bid for Champions League qualification.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Merino

Subs: Neto, Tierney, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Nwaneri

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto

Subs: Jorgensen, Bettinelli, Adarabioyo, Dewsbury-Hall, Chalobah, Gusto, George, Acheampong, Lavia