Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of Cole Palmer ahead of Arsenal showdown after star was left limping by wild Lisandro Martinez tackle in Man United draw

Chelsea hope Cole Palmer will be passed fit to face Arsenal in their upcoming Premier League showdown, though face an anxious wait to see what damage was done at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The England international was hurt at the end of their 1-1 draw with Manchester United when Lisandro Martinez raked his studs above his knee. Palmer had the area iced up before limping out of Old Trafford.

They must now wait to see if that soreness reduces enough to allow the 22-year-old to train. He was not at Cobham on Monday as all of the players were enjoying a pre-scheduled day off.

Chelsea could also give Palmer extra recovery time ahead of Arsenal as he will not be in the squad to face Armenian side Noah in the Conference League this Thursday.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said Martinez should have seen red for his ugly challenge. It would come as a significant blow if Palmer was unable to play in their final fixture before the international break.

Palmer pictured on the ground after the foul, which came in the 93rd minute at Old Trafford

Palmer applied ice to his knee after Sunday’s game at Old Trafford, according to Maresca

‘He (Palmer) was in the changing room with ice, so we are waiting now. Hopefully it is nothing important,’ said Maresca

‘I know you are going to ask me about the referee’s decision. It is quite clear almost for all of us, but the referee is there to take a decision and he took a different decision.

‘When there is no intention to go for the ball and you just go for the player, for the legs, there is no doubt about the decision. I think it’s quite clear it’s a red.’

Maresca had warned Palmer before the trip to Old Trafford that he needs to get used to being targeted by opponents, with Martinez criticised for his crunching attempt at a tackle so late on.