Enzo Maresca confirms double injury boost for Chelsea ahead of Villa clash

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been handed a massive boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

The Italian tactician has confirmed that Chelsea’s Champions League top scorer, Estevao Willian, and summer signing Liam Delap are fit and available for selection this weekend.

The pair have been out of the loop for the past couple of weeks, but their return to the fold gives Maresca fresh attacking options as the Blues prepare for a tough clash with Villa.

Delap has been out of the Chelsea squad since picking up an injury just half an hour into the goalless draw against Bournemouth earlier in the month.

The 22-year-old was initially expected to spend four weeks on the sidelines after hurting his shoulder at the Vitality Stadium, but has returned with a week to spare.

Meanwhile, Estevao hasn’t featured for the Blues since making a nine-minute cameo in the 2-0 win against Everton in mid-December.

Both players will likely start this weekend’s six-pointer on the bench, but Maresca will hope they can impact the game when called upon.

“Estevao is back, and he is available for Saturday,” Maresca said during his pre-match press conference.

“Estevao and also Liam Delap. They are both back. We didn’t know exactly how long Liam would be out for, but he is back on Saturday, and we are happy to have both available.”

There was more encouraging news on the fitness front regarding Cole Palmer, who has recently returned from a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The England international had been dealing with groin and toe problems, forcing the coaching staff to carefully manage his minutes since his comeback.

After appearances against Everton and Newcastle United, Maresca now feels Palmer is ready to play a full match if needed.

“I think Cole is ready to play 90 minutes,” Maresca said.

“He played for an hour against Everton, then he did more than 70 minutes against Newcastle. So I think the progression is there, he’s feeling good, and I think he could play for 90 minutes now.”