🔗 Share this article

First Story: Key Talent Palmer Ready for Important London Derby with Arsenal

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stated on Friday that Cole Palmer is available for selection for the squad's important top-flight match against local opponents Arsenal.

The 23-year-old English midfielder was unavailable due to a broken toe sustained after an unfortunate occurrence.

“He is available to start and to play,” Maresca said. “The whole team is delighted.”

In the current campaign, Palmer has made only four appearances in all tournaments, finding the net on two occasions.

Since his arrival from City in 2023, he has achieved 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 appearances for Chelsea.

“He is our top performer, we are delighted he is back, we need to give him time to be 100% fit,” Maresca noted. “He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do great things for this club in the future.”

2. Everton Receive No Explanation for Rejected Idrissa Gueye Dismissal Challenge

Everton have failed in their challenge against Idrissa Gueye's red card for a physical confrontation with teammate Michael Keane during the team's 1-0 victory at Manchester United.

The veteran Senegal player was dismissed only early on into the game after slapping Keane amid a argument over a poor pass.

The player promptly expressed regret, and the pair appeared reconciled afterwards in a mock social media post.

However, the challenge against the dismissal was turned down, and Gueye must complete a three-match suspension, making Everton depleted for their upcoming fixture against Newcastle.

“We challenged the decision and it was rejected,” manager the manager stated. “No explanation was provided for the rejection but we did appeal it.”

Inquired about more issues from the incident, Moyes continued: “The matter was resolved instantly, it was done, that was it, we moved on swiftly and it was all sorted within the team environment.”

3. Yoane Wissa Trains with The Magpies for First Time since Injury

Newcastle United's recent acquisition Yoane Wissa has practiced with his squad for the first time since sustaining a knee problem shortly after his arrival from Brentford in the autumn.

Head coach Eddie Howe announced the development on the end of the week but did not disclose a potential comeback timeline for the player.

The team signed the forward for £55m to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a record-breaking sum.

Regrettably, Wissa was hurt while on national team duty before he could make his debut for his new club.

“He is progressing nicely, he trained with us for the first time on midweek, so I was very happy with how he looked,” Howe stated. “That’s his first time competitively with the group. Let’s see how he reacts today.”

Howe continued: “There is a planned comeback timeline, but it’s probably best if I keep that to myself. We wish to prevent any disappointment. Naturally, we want to include him as soon as possible.”

Additionally, Kieran Trippier will be out of action for a month with a hamstring injury.

Fourth Story: The Reds' Slump ‘Doesn’t Matter’, Says Hammers Boss Nuno

The Hammers head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Liverpool' recent poor form “should not be a focus” as his side gets ready to face the ailing Premier League champions.

Arne Slot's team has lost six of the last seven Premier League games, dropping out of the upper half of the table.

However, Nuno emphasized that there can be no room for overconfidence when the teams meet on the weekend at the their home ground.

“Liverpool is a good team and in football, what counts is what you do on the day,” Nuno commented. “We anticipate facing the league champions, players that are talented and able of doing great things, so we have to get ready.

“The past of the results before, the form of the teams, is not that important. It is about the day. Aware that we are going to face a excellent team, that has players capable of doing wonderful things, so we have to prepare thoroughly, to perform.”

West Ham will welcome back Lucas Paquetá after his suspension, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their recovery from injury.

Fifth Story: Gibbs-White in Contention for Forest against Brighton

Nottingham Forest's manager Sean Dyche is optimistic that Morgan Gibbs-White will be fit for the side's home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend.

The England player was absent for Thursday's Europa League match against the Swedish side due to a back injury.

“Fortunately, it seems to be calming down,” Dyche commented as he got ready to face Fabian Hürzeler's team, who have secured seven points from their past three outings.

“It’s comparable to back pain, but a morning sort of injury, one where you just sleep funny or move improperly. So we’re not expecting, at this stage anyway, that it’s too serious and it’s settling down already. So we’re hopeful that it’ll be fine for the weekend.”

The defender was experiencing discomfort in his hamstring after the comfortable European win, but Dyche said the player “is expected to be okay”.

However, the full-back (thigh injury), the midfielder (thigh), Dilane Bakwa (hamstring), Chris Wood (knee), and the defender (hip) are likely to be unavailable.

Sixth Story: Glasner: European Loss Won't Set Back Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner believes that the setback of Thursday's Conference League loss to the French side is a sign of how much progress the team has come in challenging on multiple fronts.

The domestic cup holders took the lead at the away ground through Tyrick Mitchell's first-half goal but were equalized against by Liam Rosenior's team, who moved up to second in the group standings.

Crystal Palace now return to Premier League action with a home fixture against the Red Devils, and Glasner is optimistic his team can maintain their challenge for a top four place.

“Comparable to the recent setback at Goodison Park, it just feels that it was completely unnecessary and it is our fault,” Glasner remarked. “However, we have to acknowledge it. The effort was there but it is a game we shouldn’t definitely lose.”

Glasner stated that Borna Sosa would not be available for the weekend's game after he did not travel to Strasbourg, but Will Hughes, who was substituted during the opening period against the opponents, should be in the team selection.