English Premier League News Roundup: Palmer Set for Chelsea Comeback; Gueye's Unsuccessful Red Card Appeal Mystery
First Story: Star Talent Palmer Available for Important London Clash with The Gunners
The Blues head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on the final weekday that Cole Palmer is set to return for the team's significant Premier League fixture against local rivals Arsenal.
The young English midfielder was out of action due to a broken toe sustained after an accidental occurrence.
“He is available to start and to play,” Maresca declared. “All involved are pleased.”
In the current campaign, Palmer has featured in just four games in all tournaments, netting two goals.
Since his arrival from Manchester City in 2023, he has recorded 45 scores and 29 helpers in 101 matches for the London club.
“He is our top performer, we are happy he is back, we need to provide him with time to be fully fit,” Maresca added. “He has been brilliant historically and no doubt he is going to do very good for this club in the future.”
2. The Toffees Get No Explanation for Rejected Idrissa Gueye Red Card Challenge
The Merseyside club have failed in their appeal against Idrissa Gueye's sending off for an on-field altercation with fellow player Michael Keane during the team's narrow win at Manchester United.
The 36-year-old Senegalese midfielder was sent off just 13 minutes into the game after slapping Keane amid a dispute over a poor pass.
Gueye immediately apologized, and the teammates were seen reconciled later in a mock online post.
However, the challenge against the dismissal was turned down, and Gueye must complete a three-game ban, leaving Everton short-staffed for their next fixture against Newcastle.
“We have appealed it and our appeal was turned down,” coach David Moyes revealed. “No explanation was provided for the rejection but we did appeal it.”
Inquired about any further fallout from the event, Moyes continued: “It ended right away, it was done, that was it, we progressed rapidly and it was all sorted within the team environment.”
Third Story: Yoane Wissa Trains with Newcastle for First Time since Setback
Newcastle United's new signing Yoane Wissa has trained with his new teammates for the initial occasion since sustaining a knee injury shortly after his arrival from his former club in September.
Head coach Eddie Howe announced the news on the end of the week but did not disclose a possible return date for the player.
Newcastle brought in the striker for a significant fee to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record transfer fee.
Regrettably, Wissa was hurt while on national team service before he could make his debut for Newcastle.
“He is doing well, he trained with us for the first time on Wednesday, so I was really pleased with how he looked,” Howe said. “This marked his debut in a competitive setting with the squad. Let’s see how he reacts today.”
The manager added: “We’ve got [a return date] in mind, but it’s probably best if I do not share it publicly. We wish to prevent any disappointment. Of course, we want to include him as quickly.”
In other news, the defender will be out of action for a four-week period with a hamstring issue.
4. Liverpool' Slump ‘Doesn’t Matter’, Insists West Ham Manager Nuno
The Hammers manager Nuno Espírito Santo has insisted that Liverpool' recent poor form “should not be a focus” as his side gets ready to face the ailing Premier League title holders.
Arne Slot's side has lost six of the last seven Premier League games, dropping out of the top 10 of the standings.
Nevertheless, Nuno emphasized that there can be no complacency when the sides clash on the weekend at the their home ground.
“Liverpool are a quality side and in football, what counts is what you do on the day,” Nuno remarked. “So what we expect is the champions of the Premier League, players that are talented and able of doing great things, so we have to be ready.
“The past of the outcomes before, the performance of the teams, is not that important. It is about the match day. Knowing that we are going to face a excellent team, that has players able of doing wonderful things, so we have to be fully prepared, to challenge.”
West Ham will have available Lucas Paquetá after his suspension, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are progressing in their return from injury.
Fifth Story: Morgan Gibbs-White Could Feature for Forest against Brighton
Nottingham Forest's manager Sean Dyche is hopeful that Morgan Gibbs-White will be fit for the team's at home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The English international was absent for Thursday's Europa League match against Malmö due to a back issue.
“We hope it is improving,” Dyche commented as he prepared to face Fabian Hürzeler's side, who have secured seven points from their last three outings.
“It’s similar to a sore back, but a morning sort of injury, one where you just sleep funny or twist funny. So we’re not expecting, at this point anyway, that it’s very severe and it’s improving already. So we’re confident that it’ll be okay for the weekend.”
The defender was experiencing discomfort in his hamstring after the comfortable Europa League victory, but Dyche indicated the player “is expected to be okay”.
However, Ola Aina (thigh injury), the midfielder (thigh), Dilane Bakwa (hamstring), Chris Wood (knee), and Oleksandr Zinchenko (hip) are likely to be unavailable.
6. Glasner: European Defeat Will Not Set Back Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner feels that the setback of midweek's Conference League loss to the French side is a indication of how far the club has come in competing on multiple fronts.
The domestic cup holders took the lead at Stade de la Meinau through Tyrick Mitchell's first-half goal but were pegged back by Liam Rosenior's team, who moved up to second in the table.
The Eagles now switch focus to Premier League action with a home match against the Red Devils, and Glasner is confident his team can keep up their push for a Champions League place.
“Similar to the late loss against Everton, it just feels that it was entirely needless and it is our fault,” Glasner said. “On the other side, we have to acknowledge it. The commitment was there but it is a game we ought not to have lost.”
Glasner confirmed that Borna Sosa would be absent for the weekend's match after he did not travel to France, but Will Hughes, who went off during the first half against Strasbourg, should be in the matchday squad.