COLE PALMER’S form has dropped off a cliff in recent weeks. So far this season he has 20 goals and assists in all competitions for Chelsea, but has failed to score since January 14 and has not

Palmer saw his streak of successful Premier League penalties ended at 12 by Leicester 'keeper Mads Hermansen in the first half of the win.

Chelsea boost as Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Arsenal clash - Blues star has been struggling with illness amid a dip in form

While fans were enthralled by the punch-for-punch pre-Christmas approach that led to premature talk of a title challenge, Maresca wasn’t. After the 6-2 win over Wolves he bemoaned his side’s lack of “control”. After the 4-2 win over Brighton he laboured over how “open” Chelsea were.

Maresca was "surprised" by the way Copenhagen set up for the first leg last week: "I watched many of their games and they played with a four but against us they played with five [in defence]. Then we tried to adapt. They changed completely the way they played. We don't know how they will play - we will find out tomorrow."

COMMENT: Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca risked upsetting fans and his star man Cole Palmer with his brutal honesty.

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer failed to score for a ninth consecutive match after missing a penalty against Leicester, but it emerged after the game that he had been struggling with illness

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Arsenal (kick-off 13:30 GMT). Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca would've expected it'd be easier to get goals against visiting Leicester City on Sunday, but they'll take the one they got because it came with three points.

Chelsea news as Enzo Maresca can make unthinkable Cole Palmer squad decision against FC Copenhagen and won't get a better chance