Premier League News Roundup: Cole Palmer Set for The Blues Return; Idrissa Gueye's Failed Red Card Appeal Mystery
First Story: Key Talent Palmer Ready for Important Capital Clash with Arsenal
The Blues manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that Cole Palmer is set to return for the squad's vital top-flight encounter against local rivals Arsenal.
The 23-year-old English international was out of action due to a broken toe sustained after an accidental occurrence.
“He is fit to begin and feature,” Maresca said. “Everyone is happy.”
In the current campaign, Palmer has been limited to four outings across all competitions, finding the net on two occasions.
Since his arrival from Manchester City in 2023, he has achieved 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 appearances for Chelsea.
“He is our most valuable asset, we are delighted he is back, we need to give him time to be fully fit,” Maresca added. “He has been brilliant historically and no doubt he is going to do exceptionally well for this club in the future.”
2. Everton Get No Reason for Failed Idrissa Gueye Dismissal Challenge
The Merseyside club have failed in their appeal against Idrissa Gueye's sending off for an on-field altercation with fellow player Michael Keane during the squad's single-goal triumph at Old Trafford.
The 36-year-old Senegalese midfielder was sent off just 13 minutes into the contest after hitting Keane during a argument over a misplaced pass.
Gueye immediately apologized, and the pair were seen reconciled afterwards in a mock social media video.
However, the challenge against the red card was rejected, and Gueye must serve a three-match ban, making Everton shorthanded for their next fixture against Newcastle.
“We challenged the decision and it was rejected,” coach the manager said. “We haven’t been given any reason why it was turned down but we did appeal it.”
When asked about more issues from the incident, Moyes added: “It was over immediately, it was done, that was it, we progressed swiftly and it was all sorted within the dressing room.”
3. Wissa Trains with Newcastle for Initial Session since Setback
Newcastle United's recent acquisition Yoane Wissa has trained with his new teammates for the initial occasion since suffering a knee injury shortly after his arrival from Brentford in September.
Head coach Eddie Howe announced the news on Friday but kept private a potential comeback timeline for the player.
The team signed the forward for £55m to replace Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record transfer fee.
Regrettably, Wissa was injured while on international service before he could play his first game for his new club.
“His recovery is going smoothly, he trained with us for the first time on midweek, so I was very happy with how he looked,” Howe commented. “That’s his first time competitively with the group. Let’s see how he reacts today.”
The manager added: “We have a target return date, but it’s likely best if I withhold that information. We aim to avoid letting people down. Of course, we want to involve him as soon as possible.”
Additionally, the defender will be sidelined for a month with a hamstring issue.
Fourth Story: Liverpool' Slump ‘Doesn’t Matter’, Insists West Ham Manager Nuno
West Ham United head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has claimed that the reigning champions' recent poor form “doesn’t really matter” as his team gets ready to face the ailing Premier League champions.
Arne Slot's side has lost six of the last seven league matches, falling out of the upper half of the table.
However, Nuno highlighted that there can be no taking it easy when the sides clash on the weekend at the their home ground.
“Liverpool are a quality side and in football, what counts is what you do on the day,” Nuno remarked. “We anticipate facing the league champions, players that are skilled and able of doing great things, so we have to get ready.
“The past of the results before, the form of the teams, doesn’t really matter. It is about the match day. Knowing that we are going to face a high-quality team, that has players capable of doing amazing feats, so we have to get ready, to compete.”
West Ham will welcome back Lucas Paquetá after his suspension, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their recovery from injury.
5. Gibbs-White in Contention for Nottingham Forest against Brighton
Nottingham Forest's boss Sean Dyche is hopeful that Morgan Gibbs-White will be ready for the team's at home match against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend.
The English international missed the midweek European game against Malmö due to a back issue.
“Fortunately, it seems to be calming down,” Dyche said as he got ready to face Fabian Hürzeler's team, who have secured 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 twist funny. So we’re not anticipating, at this stage anyway, that it’s too serious and it’s settling down already. So we’re hopeful that it’ll be right for the weekend.”
The defender was experiencing discomfort in his hamstring after the 3-0 European victory, but Dyche indicated the player “should be fine”.
However, Ola Aina (thigh injury), the midfielder (thigh), the winger (hamstring), the striker (knee), and the defender (hip) are likely to miss out.
Sixth Story: Oliver Glasner: Conference League Loss Will Not Set Back Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner feels that the disappointment of Thursday's European defeat to the French side is a indication of how much progress the team has advanced in competing on multiple fronts.
The FA Cup holders took the lead at the away ground 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.
Crystal Palace now switch focus to Premier League competition with a home fixture against the Red Devils, and Glasner is optimistic his team can keep up their push for a Champions League place.
“Comparable to the recent setback at Goodison Park, it just feels that it was entirely needless and it is our fault,” Glasner remarked. “On the other side, we have to accept it. The commitment was there but it is a game we shouldn’t definitely lose.”
Glasner confirmed that Borna Sosa would miss out for the weekend's match after he stayed behind to Strasbourg, but Will Hughes, who went off during the first half against the opponents, should be in the team selection.