Enzo Maresca: Palmer, Jackson, Madueke available for Chelsea

The match is crucial not only for local bragging rights but also for Chelsea's Champions League aspirations.

Maresca, however, did not specify whether the trio would be able to play the full 90 minutes, leaving fans guessing about their involvement.

"Probably Nico and Noni, no, because they come back after two months, and Cole is just in case he has to play 90 minutes," said Maresca, when asked if the players will play a full game.

Reece James, who has played in nine of Chelsea's last 11 matches, remains a key figure for the Blues. The versatile defender has recently contributed two goals, including strikes against Bournemouth and Copenhagen, showcasing his attacking threat.

James has been deployed in various roles, including both full-back and midfield, demonstrating his adaptability under Maresca's tactical system.

During the international break, James also marked a personal milestone, scoring his first goal for England in a 2-0 victory over Latvia.

Despite his strong form, Maresca has been cautious with James' fitness, ensuring he is carefully managed as the season progresses.

"The idea is to try to continue with him and not to use him every three days, because we want to help him be fit at least until the end of the season, and then from there to see if we can start and go again every three days," said Maresca.

"Every day our medical staff speak with him to see how he is, to see if he is able to train, if it's good, if it's not good. In the last weeks he is training every day, he is good, and this is the reason why we are happy."