Palmer made his return to action in midweek against Leeds United; the 23-year-old was introduced just after the hour mark at Elland Road in what was his first appearance since featuring against Manchester United on 20 September.

The England international was lively during his 30 minutes on the pitch. He came close to pulling us level in the contest and saw plenty of the ball as we searched for a way to break down the stubborn Leeds backline.

And while Maresca is unsure as to whether Palmer has the required match fitness to complete 90 minutes at the Vitality Stadium tomorrow, he says the Chelsea No.10 is ready to start the game if selected.

‘I don’t know [if he can play] 90 minutes, but Cole is ready to play from the start,’ said the Italian during our pre-match press conference.

Maresca also outlined that skipper Reece James could return to the fold after being an unused substitute against Leeds United on Wednesday evening.

'I want to play Reece every game,' said the Chelsea boss. 'He’s much better and is already playing two games a week and then [hopefully] three games a week – he’s already improving in terms of that. I would like him, with Moi (Caicedo) now suspended, to play every game but we need Reece for the next games.'

Wesley Fofana, an impressive performer in our draw with Arsenal, didn't make the midweek trip to West Yorkshire as his fitness continues to be carefully managed following injury.

‘Wes is doing well with one game a week,' said Maresca. 'Hopefully, in the future, he can do two games a week but I think it’s too early [for that now]. What we don’t want with Wes is [to push him and he then be] four, five, six months out. We want to avoid that.’

Addressing longer-term absentees Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia, Maresca explained that he keeps in close contact with them throughout their recovery at Cobham.

‘I speak with both of them,’ he added. ‘I didn’t see the players [that travelled to Leeds] on Thursday, but I saw Levi and had a chat with him. Unfortunately, because they are injured, they are always in the building, so for me, there is always a greater chance to see them.’