English Premier League Headlines: Cole Palmer Ready for Chelsea Return; Gueye's Unsuccessful Appeal Mystery
1. Top Player Palmer Ready for Important Capital Derby with Arsenal
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on the final weekday that Cole Palmer is set to return for the squad's vital Premier League fixture against local opponents Arsenal.
The young England midfielder was out of action due to a broken toe sustained after an accidental incident.
“He is ready to start and participate,” 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 Manchester City in the previous year, 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 allow him time to be fully fit,” Maresca continued. “He has been brilliant historically and no doubt he is going to do great things for this club in the future.”
2. The Toffees Receive No Explanation for Rejected Idrissa Gueye Red Card Appeal
The Merseyside club have failed in their challenge against Idrissa Gueye's dismissal for a physical confrontation with fellow player Michael Keane during the squad's narrow win at Manchester United.
The veteran Senegalese player was dismissed only 13 minutes into the game after slapping Keane amid a dispute over a poor pass.
Gueye immediately apologized, and the teammates appeared making up later in a light-hearted social media post.
However, the appeal against the dismissal was denied, and Gueye must complete a three-game suspension, leaving Everton depleted for their upcoming match against Newcastle.
“We have appealed it and our appeal was turned down,” manager David Moyes said. “No explanation was provided for the rejection but we did appeal it.”
When asked about any further fallout from the incident, Moyes added: “It was over immediately, it was done, that was it, we progressed swiftly and it was all sorted within the dressing room.”
3. Wissa Practices with Newcastle for Initial Session since Setback
Newcastle United's recent acquisition Yoane Wissa has trained with his squad for the first time since suffering a knee problem soon after his move from Brentford in the autumn.
Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the news on the end of the week but did not disclose a possible return date for the player.
The team signed the forward for £55m to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, who moved to Liverpool for a record-breaking sum.
Regrettably, 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 extremely satisfied 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 have a target return date, but it’s likely best if I keep that to myself. We aim to avoid letting people down. Of course, we want to utilize him as promptly.”
Additionally, Kieran Trippier will be sidelined for a four-week period with a hamstring issue.
4. The Reds' Poor Form ‘Irrelevant’, Says West Ham Manager Nuno
The Hammers manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that the reigning champions' current slump “is largely irrelevant” as his side prepares to face the struggling Premier League champions.
Arne Slot'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 room for overconfidence when the sides 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 said. “We anticipate facing the league champions, players that are talented and capable of doing fantastic things, so we have to prepare.
“The past 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 very good team, that has players able of doing wonderful things, so we have to prepare thoroughly, to perform.”
West Ham will welcome back Lucas Paquetá after his ban, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their recovery from fitness issues.
Fifth Story: Morgan Gibbs-White in Contention for Forest against Brighton
Nottingham Forest's boss Sean Dyche is optimistic that Morgan Gibbs-White will be available for the team's at home match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The England international was absent for Thursday's European match against the Swedish side due to a back issue.
“Fortunately, it seems to be calming down,” Dyche stated as he got ready to face the Brighton manager's side, who have secured seven points from their last three outings.
“It’s like a bad back, but a waking-up sort of injury, one where you just rest awkwardly or move improperly. So we’re not anticipating, at this stage anyway, that it’s too serious and it’s settling down already. So we’re hopeful that it’ll be okay for the weekend.”
Murillo was experiencing discomfort in his hamstring after the comfortable Europa League win, but Dyche indicated the player “will likely be available”.
However, Ola Aina (thigh injury), Douglas Luiz (thigh), the winger (hamstring), Chris Wood (knee), and the defender (hip) are likely to miss out.
Sixth Story: Glasner: European Loss Won't Set Back Crystal Palace
The Eagles head coach Oliver Glasner feels that the setback of Thursday's European defeat to the French side is a indication of how much progress the club has advanced in competing on two fronts.
The domestic cup holders took the lead at Stade de la Meinau through Tyrick Mitchell's opening period goal but were pegged back by Liam Rosenior's team, who climbed to runner-up in the group standings.
The Eagles now return to Premier League action with a at Selhurst Park match against Manchester United, and Glasner is confident his side can keep up their push for a top four spot.
“Comparable to the recent setback at Goodison Park, it just feels that it was totally avoidable and it is our fault,” Glasner commented. “On the other side, we have to take it on the chin. The commitment was there but it is a game we shouldn’t definitely lose.”
Glasner stated that Borna Sosa would miss out for the weekend's match after he stayed behind to France, but Will Hughes, who went off during the opening period against the opponents, should be in the matchday squad.