Enzo Maresca reveals Palmer, Cucurella and Jackson return dates

Enzo Maresca has confirmed when Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella will join up with the Chelsea squad and provided an update on Nicolas Jackson’s fitness.

Palmer and Cucurella were not part of Chelsea USA Tour following their exploits at Euro 2024, with both players central to Spain and England reaching the final.

In the wake of the Blues defeat to Real Madrid in Charlotte, Maresca confirmed Palmer and Cucurella will participate in training at Cobham with the rest of the group on Friday. However, those travelling back from the States have a day off tomorrow to shake off jet lag after two-and-a-half weeks away.

Maresca confirmed it is a similar story for Nicolas Jackson, who was on tour but didn’t feature due to injury.

Marc Cucurella (Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

‘We will see when they play – not sure for Inter, hopefully for the City game,’ said Maresca. ‘They are all important players. In terms of numbers, Cole and Nico scored almost 40 goals so they are both very important, and Marc too.

‘The important thing is they start training with us, and soon we can use them.’

Maresca also commented on Enzo Fernandez being handed the armband by Reece James when he was substituted against Madrid and in a previous game.

The head coach didn’t confirm this meant the Argentinean is vice-captain, only that it underlined Enzo’s status in the squad.

‘Enzo is one of the important players,’ said Maresca.

‘Reece when we changed him gave the armband to Enzo, and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad, it’s very clear.’