'Cole Palmer Football Club' - Mauricio Pochettino challenges Chelsea stars to show they're not a one-man team in top scorer's absence against Arsenal

The English forward was absent from training sessions leading up to the match against Arsenal, raising doubts about his availability for the game at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The absence of Palmer presents a significant challenge for Chelsea, as the young forward has been their standout player this term. However, Pochettino sees this setback as an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities on the pitch.

Speaking to reporters, Pochettino said: "It is a good challenge if Palmer is not available tomorrow. It’s a good challenge for his teammates or those in a similar position. If I were them, I would be motivated to go there tomorrow and show that this is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club.”

Chelsea players Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke got involved in a heated exchange of words with Palmer over penalty duties against Everton, which has led to questions on the dressing room harmony among the Blues. However, Pochettino brushed aside reports of tension in the squad and insisted: "I think they are not jealous. They only want the same pill we provide Palmer! I am joking! They ask whatever you do for Palmer, we want the same. It is a good example for them of why he is doing so well and why they are capable of doing the same… I think it is a good challenge.”

Palmer is the top scorer for the Blues this campaign with 25 goals and 13 assists for Chelsea in 42 appearances across all competitions. He has a perfect record from penalties, converting all nine of them and shares the joint first spot with Erling Haaland in the Premier League Golden Boot race.

Palmer has missed just one fixture this league campaign, when he was serving a suspension against Crystal Palace in December. However, even if he misses the trip to north London on Tuesday, he is likely to recover in time before Chelsea's clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.