Enzo Maresca explains Cole Palmer's absence from Chelsea squad for Arsenal clash

Chelsea fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates with Palmer a notable absentee and Maresca has revealed that the 22-year-old picked up a slight niggle in training a day before the clash with the Gunners.

Referencing Palmer having to go off against Leicester after suffering from the squits last weekend, Maresca said of the midfielder's whereabouts: "He's not in the toilet, for sure. Ha ha ha!

"No, he had as we know last week some problems, and yesterday he had a very small (injury) problem, and we think that after the international break he can be back with us.

"He had an injury yesterday during a session. It was a very light session which is why we think it's nothing important, but he needs still to wait. The feeling is he can be back after the international break."

That prognosis could cast doubt over Palmer's ability to be involved for his country over the next couple of weeks - but nothing has yet been confirmed either way.

This, after the 22-year-old was named as part of new England boss Thomas Tuchel's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

Palmer was included in Tuchel's plans despite a loss of form for Chelsea over the past couple of months, with Palmer unable to produce a goal or assist in his past seven Premier League outings.

Tuchel named his England squad on Friday, bringing Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford back into the fold as well as calling up Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle centre-back Dan Burn.

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