Two more Chelsea stars return to training after Nicolas Jackson injury boost | Football

Enzo Maresca has been handed yet more good news ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Tottenham, with Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke pictured in training on Friday.

Palmer missed the 1-0 loss to Arsenal with a hamstring problem and the injury meant Chelsea’s star man could play no part in England’s World Cup qualifying wins over Albania and Latvia.

The 22-year-old attacker, Chelsea’s top scorer with 14 goals this season, had also been struggling with an illness prior to his muscle issue.

Madueke, 23, meanwhile, has been sidelined with a thigh injury, meaning he has missed the Blues last six matches in all competitions.

But the England duo were spotted training as usual out on the grass at Cobham, along with Nicolas Jackson, 23, who also looks to be closing in on his return to full fitness.

Jackson was seen training for the first time just a day earlier having missed eight games – across three months of action – with a thigh problem.

There are hopes all three forwards could have a role to play against Spurs next Thursday at Stamford Bridge, where Maresca’s men will look to return to winning ways after their previous derby London defeat to Arsenal.

Palmer, last year’s PFA Young Player of the Season, will no doubt be itching to return to the fold after what has been his most frustrating spell in a Chelsea shirt to date.

While the former Manchester City man has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving in London, he has failed to hit the back of the net in his last ten matches in all competitions.

Maresca suggested some time off could actually be a blessing in disguise when asked for an update on Palmer prior to the international break.

‘We don’t wish players injury, but probably in Cole’s case in this moment it will give him some rest. Physically and mentally, it could be good,’ the Chelsea head coach told reporters.

Despite his recent barren spell, only five players have outscored Palmer (14) in the Premier League this term, namely Bryan Mbeumo (15), Chris Wood (18), Alexander Isak (19), Eling Haaland (21) and Mohamed Salah (27).

Palmer has also notched six assists in the English top flight this season for fourth-placed Chelsea, who hold a narrow one-point advantage over Manchester City in fifth.

Tuchel included Palmer in his initial squad for his opening matches in charge of the Three Lions, but the Wembley double-header ultimately came too soon and he could not be considered for selection.

‘Cole will not be with us. He was not on the pitch with Chelsea,’ Tuchel said before England’s 2-0 victory over Albania.

‘We’ve waited quite a while now for feedback and for the chance, maybe, to call him up.

‘But he’s not on the pitch and not available. It makes no sense to call him up now.’

MORE: Arsenal enter race with Liverpool to sign £25m striker after bust-up with teammates

MORE: ‘He has everything’ – Chelsea told they beat Man Utd to Lamine Yamal-like talent

MORE: Andoni Iraola responds to speculation he is favourite to be next Tottenham manager