Chelsea will be without England star Cole Palmer for their Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday. Palmer has endured a frustrating period following another impressive start to the season, failing to score in his last 10 appearances.

While fans were enthralled by the punch-for-punch pre-Christmas approach that led to premature talk of a title challenge, Maresca wasn’t. After the 6-2 win over Wolves he bemoaned his side’s lack of “control”. After the 4-2 win over Brighton he laboured over how “open” Chelsea were.

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

Palmer saw his streak of successful Premier League penalties ended at 12 by Leicester 'keeper Mads Hermansen in the first half of the win.

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:

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

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.

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 news as Enzo Maresca can make unthinkable Cole Palmer squad decision against FC Copenhagen and won't get a better chance

A disease has spread among Chelsea players, threatening their preparations for Thursday's UEFA Conference League game against FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge