Enzo Maresca reveals stomach bug has 'probably' spread through Chelsea squad as he provides update on Cole Palmer after bout of diarrhoea

The England international played in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Leicester City, despite suffering from a fever and diarrhoea the day before. Palmer’s participation was in doubt leading up to the match, but he still managed to feature in the Premier League encounter. However, his performance was far from his best, as he missed a penalty and extended his goalless run to eight league games. Speaking after the match, Maresca acknowledged Palmer’s struggles, emphasising that it was remarkable he even played at all given his condition.

With Chelsea set to face Copenhagen in the second leg of their Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday, Maresca provided an update on the squad’s fitness. During his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, he confirmed that Palmer, Reece James, and Christopher Nkunku had missed training on Tuesday due to illness but had already returned ahead of the crucial fixture, where they hold a narrow 2-1 advantage from the first leg.

Maresca said: "Cole, Reece and Christo (Nkunku), first session [today]. Yesterday they weren't here. They all had some problems. Today they are all back and better. Probably, yes, I don't know [illness in squad]. We see for tomorrow if we use some of them."

He also delivered some encouraging updates on the recovery of Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke. Both players have been sidelined, but they are expected to return after the international break, providing Chelsea with more attacking options. "[Nicolas Jackson] could be back after the international break, Noni [Madueke] also," he revealed. "It's good news. We can recover energy and players and go for the last sprint."

Another player whose availability remains uncertain is Romeo Lavia, who has endured a frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge since signing for £58 million ($74m) from Southampton 18 months ago. Injuries have significantly limited his involvement, restricting him to just 13 appearances for the club.

"He's much better," Maresca said while addressing the Belgian's situation. "He's not in the Conference League squad, unfortunately. The target is the same as Reece James... to be fit until the end and play as much as he can."

Once their European duties are concluded, Chelsea will shift their focus to a Premier League showdown against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The match will be crucial for both teams, with Chelsea seeking consistency and Arsenal fighting to keep their slim title hopes alive after a setback against Manchester United.