The Blues host the La Liga side at Stamford Bridge in a mouthwatering Champions League clash under the lights, with both sides on seven points from four league phase fixtures.

Our Italian head coach faced questions from the media this afternoon at his pre-match press conference and delivered an update on Palmer, who sustained a fractured toe in a freak accident at home last week.

‘Yes, Cole is wearing a boot,’ Maresca told the gathered journalists.

‘We don’t know when [he will be back to full fitness], but it will be soon. He is already on the pitch and already touching the ball. The feeling is good.’

‘At the moment, we are only looking at tomorrow’s game. It’s a Champions League game against Barcelona, that is our focus and then we will look ahead to Arsenal.

‘I don’t think he will be available for these two games, but he is doing well.’

After victory at Burnley on Saturday, the Blues head into a pivotal week with high-profile games against Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League on the agenda.

While acknowledging the ‘big-game’ feel to these fixtures, Maresca was quick to reiterate that every match carries its own importance and urged his players to focus solely on the next opponent.

‘Of course, it’s a big week for us,’ explained the Italian. ‘But after this week, we have Leeds away, Bournemouth away, and Atalanta away. It’s another big week

'Every week is big and they are all important games – and every game is for three points. For sure, there are games like Barcelona and Arsenal that are important for different reasons, but the best thing for us is to go game by game.’