Chelsea issue Alejandro Garnacho update ahead of Manchester United return as key fitness boost confirmed
Man Utd host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday night and here is the latest team news.
Enzo Maresca claims Alejandro Garnacho is 'ready to start' for Chelsea when they travel to face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.
The Argentine forward moved to Stamford Bridge in the final days of the summer transfer window after he had been frozen out by United head coach Ruben Amorim. Garnacho was told to find a new club in the wake of the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last season and did not report for pre-season training with the rest of the United first-team squad.
Garnacho made it his preference to remain in the Premier League and held out for a move to Chelsea in the summer transfer window. He finally got his wish when he completed a £40 million move to the London club, which also includes a 10% sell-on clause.
The 21-year-old has made two substitute appearances since he completed his move and played the final quarter of the match as Chelsea were defeated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night. He is expected to be involved at Old Trafford this weekend and Maresca believes he is even fit enough to start the match if required.
"In the last two games, he was very good when he came on," he said at his pre-match press conference. "So we are happy with the way he has adapted to our style and what we want from the winger. I think he is ready to start."
There is further good news from a Chelsea perspective, with Cole Palmer fit to feature against United after he picked up a knock in the Bayern Munich defeat. "Cole is okay," the Chelsea boss added. "We have a session now, we flew back yesterday. We need to assess some players, we have some doubt. We didn't have a session since Wednesday's game, but we will see.
"I think it's always difficult to play United away at their stadium. Now is not the right moment, next year or last year, it is always difficult. Some of the games they have played this season is not the real result, even the City game. It will be a tough game, no doubt."
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