Chelsea confirm injury return vs Fulham as Palmer & Jackson handed Champions League ultimatum | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca is set to be handed an injury boost for Chelsea's Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea head to Craven Cottage for a must-win match after Manchester City and Aston Villa both claimed victories, piling the pressure on the Blues as the quest for Champions League qualification continues.

Consecutive draws in the league has seen Chelsea fall out of the top five, but it is still in Enzo Maresca and his side's hands to return to Europe's elite club competition next season.

Another London derby awaits Chelsea and it's a short trip to their west London neighbours, Fulham, on Easter Sunday.

It's now or never for Chelsea this season as they eye Champions League qualification. / IMAGO / Action Plus

Maresca will need a reaction from his players after defeat to Legia Warsaw in the Conference League on Thursday night, however the 45-year-old has received a positive injury boost.

Romeo Lavia injury return boost

Maresca has confirmed Romeo Lavia will be available for Sunday's match. It is likely Lavia will be named on the bench if he makes the squad, with a potential appearance from the bench if required.

"Romeo is back," confirmed Maresca ahead of the game. "He's training with us and he can be available for Sunday. With him, we're going to try the same thing that we are trying with Reece (James).

"I would like to play Reece every three days, but we are trying to manage him, to help him. And as I said, exactly the same thing we are going to try to do with Romeo because he is for us an important player."

Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson sent Champions League warning

After returning from injury after the March international break, Jackson and Palmer have struggled to get in amongst the goals for Chelsea.

Chelsea have relied on Palmer and Jackson on so many occasions... and they need them now more than ever. / IMAGO / Sportimage

It's an unfamiliar sight for the attacking duo. Jackson's last goal in the league was during the 2-1 win over Brentford back in December, while Palmer last netted in January against Bournemouth.

With two of Chelsea's most influential players in attack struggling for form, it has affected the club's results and Maresca is now needing the pair to rediscover their goalscoring form if they want Champions League football.

Previewing Chelsea's match against Fulham, Maresca was asked: 'Do you think you can achieve your target this season if Palmer and Jackson do not start scoring?'. He firmly replied: "No."

Maresca added: "They have scored goals. It's just a moment that they need to turn a little bit that moment. But I said before, Cole scored 14 goals in 20 Premier League games. So he scored goals. Nico was the same before the injury. Now, unfortunately, Nico was out for two months, so probably physicality needs a little bit more. And this is the same for Cole."