A hint about early team news for Chelsea vs. Arsenal has emerged, as fans anxiously await updates on Cole Palmer’s injury status.

Enzo Fernandez has hinted that he might feature in Chelsea’s high-stakes match against Arsenal on Sunday. Recently, he’s been limited to substitute roles in the Premier League, despite starting the season as a key player alongside Moises Caicedo and sometimes Romeo Lavia. Now, Fernandez sees regular starts primarily in midweek games, showing a preference for other players in Chelsea’s “first team” for bigger league fixtures.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s selection choices for the Conference League and Carabao Cup highlight a clear lineup hierarchy for significant and lesser fixtures. Though Fernandez was signed for over £100 million, he often appears in these lower-profile matches, with his last Premier League start occurring before October’s international break. However, if Cole Palmer—a likely absentee due to injury—misses the Arsenal clash, Fernandez could step in as cover.

Palmer, who played on the right wing last season, now operates centrally under Maresca, even shifting deeper at times as a No.8—a role Fernandez is familiar with. Fernandez has also occasionally taken on an advanced No.10 role, and if Palmer is unavailable, Fernandez could fill that central role.

Ahead of the match, Fernandez shared a pre-match promotional post, suggesting his involvement, though not necessarily a starting position. Similarly, Noni Madueke posted to Instagram, though his spot could be more at risk to Pedro Neto, especially with Jadon Sancho sidelined by illness, injury, and loan stipulations.