EPL Updates: Cole Palmer Set for The Blues Return; Idrissa Gueye's Unsuccessful Red Card Appeal Lacks Explanation

1. Star Talent Palmer Ready for Important London Derby with The Gunners

The Blues head coach Enzo Maresca stated on the final weekday that Cole Palmer is available for selection for the team's vital top-flight encounter against local rivals Arsenal.

The young England midfielder was out of action due to a fractured toe suffered after an unfortunate incident.

“He is ready to start and participate,” Maresca said. “The whole team is delighted.”

In the current campaign, Palmer has featured in just four games in all tournaments, netting two goals.

Since his arrival from City in 2023, he has achieved 45 strikes and 29 setups in 101 appearances for Chelsea.

“He is our top performer, we are delighted he is back, we need to provide him with time to be 100% fit,” Maresca noted. “He has done fantastic in the past and no doubt he is going to do exceptionally well for this club in the future.”

2. Everton Receive No Explanation for Failed Idrissa Gueye Dismissal Appeal

Everton were unsuccessful in their challenge against Idrissa Gueye's dismissal for a physical confrontation with teammate Michael Keane during the squad's 1-0 victory at Manchester United.

The 36-year-old Senegal player was sent off only 13 minutes into the game after hitting Keane during a disagreement over a poor pass.

Gueye promptly expressed regret, and the teammates appeared reconciled afterwards in a light-hearted social media post.

However, the challenge against the red card was denied, and Gueye must complete a three-match suspension, making Everton short-staffed for their upcoming match against Newcastle.

“We challenged the decision and it was rejected,” manager David Moyes stated. “No explanation was provided for the rejection but we did appeal it.”

Inquired about additional consequences from the event, Moyes remarked: “It was over immediately, it was done, that was it, we moved on rapidly and it was all sorted within the team environment.”

3. Yoane Wissa Trains with The Magpies for Initial Session since Setback

The club's new signing Yoane Wissa has trained with his new teammates for the initial occasion since suffering a knee problem shortly after his move from his former club in September.

Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the development on Friday but kept private a possible comeback timeline for the 29-year-old.

Newcastle brought in the forward for a significant fee to replace Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record sum.

Regrettably, Wissa was hurt while on national team duty before he could make his debut for Newcastle.

“He is progressing nicely, he trained with us for the first time on midweek, so I was very happy with how he looked,” Howe stated. “That’s his first time competitively with the group. Let’s see how he responds today.”

The manager continued: “We have a target return date, but it’s likely best if I withhold that information. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Naturally, we want to involve him as quickly.”

Additionally, Kieran Trippier will be out of action for a month with a hamstring injury.

4. The Reds' Poor Form ‘Doesn’t Matter’, Says West Ham Boss Nuno

West Ham United head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has claimed that Liverpool' current slump “doesn’t really matter” as his side gets ready to take on the struggling top-flight title holders.

The Liverpool manager's side has suffered six losses in seven recent league games, dropping out of the upper half of the standings.

However, Nuno highlighted that there can be no room for overconfidence when the sides meet on the weekend at the London Stadium.

“Liverpool is a good team and in football, what matters is what you do on the day,” Nuno commented. “We are preparing to play the title winners, players that are skilled and able of doing great things, so we have to be ready.

“The history of the results before, the performance of the teams, doesn’t really matter. It is about the match day. Knowing that we are going to face a excellent team, that has players capable of doing wonderful things, so we have to prepare thoroughly, to perform.”

The Hammers will welcome back Lucas Paquetá after his ban, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their recovery from fitness issues.

Fifth Story: Morgan Gibbs-White in Contention for Forest against Brighton

Nottingham Forest's boss Sean Dyche is hopeful that Morgan Gibbs-White will be ready for the side's home match against Brighton on the weekend.

The England player missed Thursday's Europa League match against Malmö due to a back injury.

“We hope it is improving,” Dyche said as he got ready to face the Brighton manager's team, who have secured seven points from their past three matches.

“It’s like a bad back, but a waking-up sort of injury, one where you just rest awkwardly or move improperly. So we’re not expecting, at this point anyway, that it’s very severe and it’s easing already. So we’re confident that it’ll be right for the weekend.”

Murillo was feeling his hamstring after the 3-0 Europa League victory, but Dyche said the player “will likely be available”.

Meanwhile, Ola Aina (thigh injury), the midfielder (thigh), the winger (hamstring), Chris Wood (knee), and Oleksandr Zinchenko (hip) are likely to miss out.

6. Oliver Glasner: European Defeat Won't Hinder Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner believes that the setback of midweek's European loss to Strasbourg is a sign of how far the team has come in competing on two fronts.

The FA 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 runner-up in the group standings.

Crystal Palace now switch focus to Premier League competition with a at Selhurst Park fixture against the Red Devils, and Glasner is optimistic his team can maintain their push for a top four spot.

“Similar to the late loss against Everton, it just feels that it was entirely needless and it is our fault,” Glasner commented. “Alternatively, we have to acknowledge it. The effort was there but it is a game we shouldn’t definitely lose.”

Glasner stated that Borna Sosa would miss out for the weekend's game after he did not travel to France, but Will Hughes, who went off during the opening period against Strasbourg, is expected to be in the matchday squad.

Jennifer Hale
Jennifer Hale

A certified skincare specialist and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in beauty and holistic health.