Maresca confirms Chelsea star is ready to play 90 minutes

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said that Cole Palmer is ready to play 90 minutes against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The England international recently returned from a groin injury and has been building up his fitness over the past few weeks.

Speaking in today's press conference, Maresca said that Palmer is ready for 90 minutes, having made steady progression with his fitness.

He said: "I think he's ready for 90 minutes. The progression for a player is 45, one hour, 70. He already played one hour against Everton. He played more than 70 against Newcastle, so I think the progression is there."

Chelsea have been in a poor run of league form and they have picked up just six points from their previous five top-flight games.

As a result, they have fallen out of the title race and are currently just goal difference ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool in the table.

They face a daunting challenge on their hands this weekend, given they face Aston Villa, who are on a 10-match winning streak.