Cole Palmer doubtful for Spurs clash as Nicholas Jackson makes surprise return

Chelsea's Cole Palmer in action against FC Copenhagen. © Imago

Cole Palmer doubtful for Spurs clash as Nicholas Jackson makes surprise return

Evans Ousuru 07:41 - 28.03.2025

Chelsea sweating on the fitness on star midfielder Cole Palmer ahead of North London derby date with Tottenham.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer faces a race against time to be fit for the North London Derby against Tottenham on April 3 at Stamford Bridge.

The England international has not trained with team-mates since picking up his muscular problem before the international break, leaving Chelsea sweating on their playmaker’s availability for next week’s showdown with arch rivals Tottenham according to the Daily Mail.

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Prior to the international break, the former Manchester City academy graduate missed Chelsea's 1-0 loss against Arsenal. The fleet-footed attacking midfielder  was unable to join up with Thomas Tuchel’s and England for the World Cup qualifiers with Albania and Latvia.

His absence will be a big blow to Chelsea considering his importance to the side. Palmer scored 27 goals in all competitions last season and provided 15 assists.

This achievement made him win the Premier League Young Player of the Season and PFA Fans' Player of the Year awards for his outstanding first season at Chelsea while also being nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards.

His Goal of the Month winning strike against Everton in April was nominated for Premier League Goal of the Season. Meanwhile the Blues have been boosted by the return of Nicholas Jackson back to training.

The Senegalese forward has been sidelined for two months but is expected to face Spurs.  Jackson scored 14 league goals across 35 appearances last season, making him the second highest African goal scorer in the 2023–24 season only behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

Chelsea are looking for a strong run-in to confirm a return to the Champions League. They currently sit fourth in the table, and beat Spurs 4-3 away from home earlier in the season in a comeback in which Palmer scored twice, including an ice-cool Panenka penalty.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will hope that his side will claim a double over Tottenham.