COLE PALMER’S form has dropped off a cliff in recent weeks. So far this season he has 20 goals and assists in all competitions for Chelsea, but has failed to score since January 14 and has not

Chelsea boost as Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Arsenal clash - Blues star has been struggling with illness amid a dip in form

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Arsenal (kick-off 13:30 GMT). Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer was suffering from diarrhoea in the days before Chelsea ’s win over Leicester City, where he missed the first penalty of his career. Chelsea leapfrogged Manchester City and moved back into the Premier League top four on Sunday following a nervy 1-0 victory over Leicester.

COMMENT: Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca risked upsetting fans and his star man Cole Palmer with his brutal honesty.

Maresca was "surprised" by the way Copenhagen set up for the first leg last week: "I watched many of their games and they played with a four but against us they played with five [in defence]. Then we tried to adapt. They changed completely the way they played. We don't know how they will play - we will find out tomorrow."

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer failed to score for a ninth consecutive match after missing a penalty against Leicester, but it emerged after the game that he had been struggling with illness

Chelsea are set to host Copenhagen in the second leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Conference League at the Stamford Bridge. The Blues have a 2-1 lead from the first leg. They finished first in the