EPL Headlines: Palmer Poised for Chelsea Comeback; Gueye's Unsuccessful Appeal Lacks Explanation
First Story: Star Talent Palmer Fit for Important Capital Clash with Arsenal
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on the final weekday that Cole Palmer is set to return for the squad's vital Premier League fixture against local rivals Arsenal.
The young England international was unavailable due to a fractured toe sustained after an accidental incident.
“He is fit to begin and feature,” Maresca commented. “The whole team is delighted.”
In the current campaign, Palmer has made only four appearances across all competitions, netting two goals.
Following his transfer from City in 2023, he has notched 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 matches for the London club.
“He is our best player, we are delighted he is back, we need to provide him with time to be 100% fit,” Maresca noted. “His past performances have been excellent and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future.”
2. The Toffees Get No Reason for Failed Idrissa Gueye Red Card Challenge
The Merseyside club were unsuccessful in their appeal against Idrissa Gueye's dismissal for an on-field altercation with teammate Michael Keane during the team's 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The 36-year-old Senegal midfielder was dismissed only early on into the contest after hitting Keane during a argument over a misplaced pass.
The player quickly said sorry, and the teammates appeared reconciled later in a light-hearted online post.
However, the appeal against the dismissal was denied, and Gueye must complete a three-match suspension, making Everton shorthanded for their next match against Newcastle United.
“We have appealed it and our appeal was turned down,” coach David Moyes revealed. “We received no rationale for the denial but we did appeal it.”
When asked about any further fallout from the event, Moyes remarked: “It was over immediately, it was done, that was it, we progressed swiftly and it was all sorted within the team environment.”
Third Story: Yoane Wissa Practices with The Magpies for Initial Session since Setback
Newcastle United's new acquisition Yoane Wissa has practiced with his squad for the initial occasion since suffering a knee problem shortly after his move from Brentford in September.
Head coach Eddie Howe confirmed the development on Friday but kept private a possible comeback timeline for the player.
Newcastle signed the forward for £55m to replace Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record sum.
Unfortunately, Wissa was hurt while on international service before he could make his debut for Newcastle.
“He is doing well, he trained with us for the first time on midweek, so I was really pleased with how he looked,” Howe stated. “This marked his debut in a competitive setting with the squad. Let’s see how he reacts today.”
Howe continued: “We’ve got [a return date] in mind, but it’s likely best if I keep that to myself. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Of course, we want to include him as quickly.”
Additionally, the defender will be sidelined for a four-week period with a hamstring injury.
4. Liverpool' Poor Form ‘Doesn’t Matter’, Says Hammers Boss Nuno
West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo has insisted that the reigning champions' current slump “should not be a focus” as his side gets ready to take on the struggling top-flight title holders.
The Liverpool manager's team has suffered six losses in seven recent league matches, dropping out of the upper half of the table.
Nevertheless, Nuno emphasized that there can be no complacency when the teams meet on the weekend at the their home ground.
“Liverpool are a quality side and in football, what counts is what you do on the day,” Nuno commented. “We anticipate facing the league champions, players that are skilled and capable of doing great things, so we have to prepare.
“The history of the outcomes before, the form of the teams, doesn’t really matter. It is about the day. Aware that we are going to face a high-quality team, that has players capable of doing wonderful things, so we have to prepare thoroughly, to compete.”
The Hammers will have available Lucas Paquetá after his ban, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their return from fitness issues.
5. Gibbs-White Could Feature for Nottingham Forest against Brighton
Nottingham Forest's boss Sean Dyche is optimistic that Morgan Gibbs-White will be ready for the side's home fixture against Brighton on the weekend.
The England player missed the midweek Europa League game against the Swedish side due to a back injury.
“Hopefully it’s settling down,” Dyche commented as he got ready to face the Brighton manager's team, who have taken a decent haul from their past three outings.
“It’s similar to a sore back, but a waking-up sort of injury, one where you just rest awkwardly or twist funny. So we’re not anticipating, at this point anyway, that it’s very severe and it’s settling down already. So we’re hopeful that it’ll be fine for the weekend.”
Murillo was feeling his hamstring after the 3-0 European win, but Dyche said the player “will likely be available”.
Meanwhile, the full-back (thigh injury), the midfielder (thigh), Dilane Bakwa (hamstring), the striker (knee), and the defender (hip) are expected to be unavailable.
Sixth Story: Glasner: European Loss Won't Hinder Palace
The Eagles head coach Oliver Glasner feels that the setback of Thursday's European loss to the French side is a indication of how much progress the team has advanced in competing on two fronts.
The domestic cup winners went ahead at Stade de la Meinau through Tyrick Mitchell's first-half goal but were pegged back by Liam Rosenior's team, who climbed to runner-up in the group standings.
Crystal Palace now switch focus to Premier League action with a at Selhurst Park match against Manchester United, and Glasner is optimistic his team can keep up their push for a top four place.
“Comparable to the recent setback at Goodison Park, it just feels that it was entirely needless and it is our fault,” Glasner remarked. “On the other side, we have to take it on the chin. The commitment was there but it is a game we could have avoided losing.”
Glasner confirmed that Borna Sosa would be absent for Sunday's match after he stayed behind to France, but Will Hughes, who went off during the opening period against the opponents, is expected to be in the team selection.