Maresca: Estevao and Delap Back for Villa Clash, Cole Palmer ready to play 90 minutes

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Estevao Willian and Liam Delap will be available for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

The pair missed the Blues’ 1-1 draw at Newcastle last weekend but have trained fully this week and are back in contention.

‘Estevao is back and he is available for Saturday,’ Maresca told the club’s website.

‘Estevao and also Liam Delap. They are both back. We didn’t know exactly how long Liam would be out for but he is back on Saturday, and we are happy to have both available.’

Maresca also provided an update on Cole Palmer, who has been eased back into action following groin and toe injuries.

The England international featured for an hour against Everton and over 70 minutes at Newcastle, and the Chelsea boss believes he is now ready to complete a full match.

‘I think Cole is ready to play 90 minutes, yes,’ Maresca confirmed. ‘The progression is there, he’s feeling good and I think he could play for 90 minutes now.’

Chelsea welcome Unai Emery’s in-form Villa side, who sit above them in the table with a seven-point cushion.

Maresca acknowledged the challenge ahead but stressed the importance of making home advantage count.

‘It will be a very tough game for us and we will have to be at our best because Aston Villa are playing very well. They have a clear way of playing and they are very organised both on and off the ball.

‘They are full of confidence in this moment, but we are at home and we will be trying to get the three points as we always do. We will work hard and continue to grow.’