Premier League News Roundup: Cole Palmer Set for The Blues Return; Gueye's Failed Appeal Lacks Explanation
First Story: Key Talent Palmer Ready for High-Stakes London Clash with The Gunners
The Blues manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on the final weekday that Cole Palmer is available for selection for the squad's significant top-flight fixture against local opponents Arsenal.
The young England international was unavailable due to a broken toe incurred after an unfortunate incident.
“He is ready to start and participate,” Maresca commented. “All involved are pleased.”
In the current campaign, Palmer has made only four appearances across all competitions, netting two goals.
Since his arrival from Manchester City in 2023, he has recorded 45 scores and 29 helpers in 101 games for Chelsea.
“He is our best player, we are pleased he is back, we need to allow him time to be fully fit,” Maresca added. “His past performances have been excellent and no doubt he is going to do exceptionally well for this club in the future.”
2. The Toffees Receive No Explanation for Failed Gueye Dismissal Challenge
The Merseyside club have failed in their challenge against Idrissa Gueye's dismissal for a fight with fellow player Michael Keane during the team's single-goal triumph at Old Trafford.
The 36-year-old Senegal player was sent off just early on into the game after striking Keane amid a disagreement over a misplaced pass.
The player promptly expressed regret, and the teammates appeared making up later in a mock online post.
However, the challenge against the dismissal was rejected, and Gueye must serve a three-game suspension, leaving Everton short-staffed for their upcoming match against Newcastle.
“We challenged the decision and it was rejected,” manager David Moyes stated. “No explanation was provided for the rejection but we did appeal it.”
When asked about additional consequences from the event, Moyes remarked: “It ended right away, it was done, that was it, we progressed quite quickly and it was all sorted within the dressing room.”
3. Wissa Trains with Newcastle for Initial Session since Setback
Newcastle United's new signing Yoane Wissa has trained with his new teammates for the first time since suffering a knee problem shortly after his move from his former club in September.
Manager Eddie Howe announced the development on Friday but did not disclose a potential return date for the 29-year-old.
Newcastle signed the forward for a significant fee to replace Alexander Isak, who moved to Liverpool for a British record sum.
Unfortunately, Wissa was injured while on national team service before he could play his first game for his new club.
“He is progressing nicely, he trained with us for the first time on Wednesday, so I was really pleased with how he looked,” Howe said. “It was his initial competitive session with the team. Let’s see how he reacts today.”
The manager continued: “We have a target return date, but it’s likely best if I keep that to myself. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Of course, we want to involve him as quickly.”
In other news, the defender will be out of action for a four-week period with a hamstring injury.
Fourth Story: The Reds' Poor Form ‘Doesn’t Matter’, Says West Ham Boss Nuno
West Ham United head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has claimed that Liverpool' current slump “is largely irrelevant” as his team prepares to face the ailing top-flight title holders.
Arne Slot's team has suffered six losses in seven recent Premier League matches, falling out of the top 10 of the standings.
Nevertheless, Nuno highlighted that there can be no complacency when the sides meet on Sunday at the London Stadium.
“Liverpool are a quality side and in football, what matters is what you do on the day,” Nuno remarked. “We are preparing to play the title winners, players that are skilled and capable of doing fantastic things, so we have to be ready.
“The history of the results before, the form of the teams, doesn’t really matter. It is about the day. Aware that we are going to face a high-quality team, that has players capable of doing amazing feats, so we have to be fully prepared, to compete.”
West Ham will welcome back Lucas Paquetá after his ban, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their return from fitness issues.
Fifth Story: Morgan Gibbs-White Could Feature for Forest against The Seagulls
The club's boss Sean Dyche is optimistic that Morgan Gibbs-White will be ready for the side's home match against Brighton on the weekend.
The England international was absent for Thursday's Europa League match against Malmö due to a back injury.
“Hopefully it’s settling down,” Dyche said as he got ready to face the Brighton manager's team, who have taken seven points from their past three matches.
“It’s comparable to back pain, but a waking-up sort of injury, one where you just sleep funny or move improperly. So we’re not anticipating, at this stage anyway, that it’s very severe and it’s settling down already. So we’re confident that it’ll be okay for the weekend.”
Murillo was feeling his hamstring muscle after the comfortable Europa League win, but Dyche indicated the player “will likely be available”.
However, the full-back (thigh injury), Douglas Luiz (thigh), Dilane Bakwa (hamstring), the striker (knee), and the defender (hip) are likely to be unavailable.
6. Glasner: European Defeat Will Not Hinder Palace
The Eagles head coach Oliver Glasner feels that the disappointment of Thursday's European defeat to the French side is a sign of how much progress the club has advanced in competing on multiple 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 side, who moved up to runner-up in the group standings.
The Eagles now switch focus to Premier League action with a at Selhurst Park fixture against the Red Devils, and Glasner is optimistic his side can keep up their challenge for a Champions League spot.
“Similar to the late loss against Everton, it just feels that it was completely unnecessary and it is our fault,” Glasner said. “On the other side, we have to accept it. The commitment was there but it is a game we could have avoided losing.”
Glasner confirmed that Borna Sosa would be absent for Sunday's match after he stayed behind to France, but Will Hughes, who went off during the opening period against the opponents, is expected to be in the matchday squad.