Pochettino confirms Palmer will return to Blues' squad for clash against Villa

Cole Palmer will return to Chelsea's matchday squad for their clash against Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.

The 21-year-old - who remains the joint-top scoring in the league - missed out on Chelsea's 5-0 hammering by London rivals Arsenal on Tuesday night due to illness.

Palmer was pictured training with team-mates on Thursday afternoon after seemingly overcoming an illness which sidelined him, which Pochettino confirmed.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, 'We assume he [Palmer] is going to be available and part of the squad, yes.

'Cole is a very good player for us, a key player for us and he is showing we struggle a little bit without him.'

Palmer has been Chelsea’s main source of goals this season, scoring 20 in the Premier League since signing for £42.5million from Manchester City in the summer.

However, despite the good news of Palmer's return, Chelsea have been struck by yet another injury blow after Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling were ruled out for the tie.

The Blues stars join the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Reece James and Ben Chilwell on the sidelines - bringing the total number of unavailable stars up to 12.

It was confirmed on Thursday that Fernandez will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to address a groin injury in time for the Copa America.

According to Argentine outlet Ole, the Chelsea midfielder has been suffering from an inguinal hernia - a problem that affects the groin region between the lower abdomen and the thigh - for over a month.

Fernandez's girlfriend Valentina Cervantes shared a photo of the couple in hospital, after the World Cup winner had undergone surgery.

A Chelsea statement on Thursday night read: 'Enzo Fernandez has today undergone