English Premier League Updates: Cole Palmer Set for The Blues Comeback; Gueye's Failed Red Card Appeal Lacks Explanation

1. Star Talent Palmer Fit for Important Capital Derby with The Gunners

The Blues manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that Cole Palmer is set to return for the squad's important Premier League match against local rivals Arsenal.

The 23-year-old England international was unavailable due to a fractured toe suffered after an unfortunate occurrence.

“He is ready to start and participate,” Maresca declared. “All involved are pleased.”

This season, Palmer has featured in just four games in every contest, finding the net on two occasions.

After joining from Manchester City in 2023, he has recorded 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 matches for the London club.

“He is our best player, we are delighted he is back, we need to provide him with time to be completely ready,” Maresca added. “He has been brilliant historically and no doubt he is going to do great things for this club in the future.”

Second Story: Everton Receive No Reason for Rejected Idrissa Gueye Dismissal Appeal

Everton were unsuccessful in their protest against Idrissa Gueye's dismissal for a fight with fellow player Michael Keane during the squad's single-goal triumph at Manchester United.

The veteran Senegalese midfielder was sent off just early on into the game after slapping Keane amid a disagreement over a misplaced pass.

The player quickly said sorry, and the pair were seen making up afterwards in a light-hearted online post.

However, the appeal against the dismissal was denied, and Gueye must complete a three-match ban, making Everton depleted for their next fixture against Newcastle.

“We have appealed it and our appeal was turned down,” coach the manager said. “We haven’t been given any reason why it was turned down but we did appeal it.”

When asked about any further fallout from the incident, Moyes continued: “It ended right away, it was done, that was it, we progressed swiftly and it was all sorted within the team environment.”

Third Story: Wissa Trains with The Magpies for Initial Session since Injury

Newcastle United's recent acquisition Yoane Wissa has practiced with his new teammates for the first time since suffering a knee problem soon after his move from Brentford in the autumn.

Manager Eddie Howe announced the development on the end of the week but kept private a potential return date for the player.

Newcastle brought in the striker for a significant fee to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record sum.

Regrettably, Wissa was hurt while on international service before he could play his first game for Newcastle.

“He is doing well, he trained with us for the first time on Wednesday, so I was extremely satisfied with how he looked,” Howe said. “That’s his first time competitively with the group. Let’s see how he reacts today.”

The manager continued: “We have a target return date, but it’s probably best if I keep that to myself. We wish to prevent any disappointment. Of course, we want to include him as quickly.”

In other news, the defender will be sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury.

4. The Reds' Slump ‘Irrelevant’, Insists Hammers Boss Nuno

West Ham United head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has insisted that the reigning champions' dip in performance “is largely irrelevant” as his side prepares to take on the ailing Premier League champions.

Arne Slot's team has lost six of the last seven league matches, falling out of the top 10 of the standings.

Nevertheless, Nuno highlighted that there can be no room for overconfidence when the teams meet on Sunday at the their home ground.

“The Reds are a strong team and in football, what matters is what you do on the day,” Nuno remarked. “We anticipate facing the league champions, players that are skilled and capable of doing great things, so we have to prepare.

“The past of the outcomes before, the form of the teams, is not that important. It is about the match day. Aware that we are going to face a high-quality team, that has players able of doing wonderful things, so we have to prepare thoroughly, to challenge.”

West Ham will welcome back Lucas Paquetá after his ban, while Crysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos are stepping up their return from injury.

5. Morgan Gibbs-White in Contention for Forest against Brighton

Nottingham Forest's manager Sean Dyche is optimistic that Morgan Gibbs-White will be fit for the side's at home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend.

The England player was absent for the midweek European game against Malmö due to a back injury.

“We hope it is improving,” Dyche commented as he got ready to face the Brighton manager's side, who have secured seven points from their past three matches.

“It’s similar to a sore back, but a morning sort of injury, one where you just rest awkwardly or move improperly. So we’re not expecting, at this point anyway, that it’s very severe and it’s settling down already. So we’re confident that it’ll be fine for the weekend.”

The defender was feeling his hamstring after the 3-0 Europa League victory, but Dyche indicated the player “should be fine”.

Meanwhile, the full-back (thigh injury), Douglas Luiz (thigh), Dilane Bakwa (hamstring), the striker (knee), and Oleksandr Zinchenko (hip) are likely to be unavailable.

6. Oliver Glasner: Conference League Loss Won't Hinder Palace

The Eagles manager Oliver Glasner feels that the disappointment of midweek's Conference League defeat to Strasbourg is a sign of how much progress the team has come in challenging on multiple fronts.

The FA Cup holders went ahead at the away ground through Tyrick Mitchell's opening period goal but were pegged back by Liam Rosenior's team, who moved up to runner-up in the table.

The Eagles now return to Premier League competition with a at Selhurst Park fixture against Manchester United, and Glasner is optimistic his side can maintain their challenge for a Champions League place.

“Similar to the late loss against Everton, it just feels that it was entirely needless and it is our fault,” Glasner said. “Alternatively, we have to take it on the chin. The commitment was there but it is a game we shouldn’t definitely lose.”

Glasner confirmed that Borna Sosa would not be available for Sunday's match after he stayed behind to Strasbourg, but Will Hughes, who was substituted during the first half against Strasbourg, should be in the matchday squad.

Dana Valdez
Dana Valdez

A professional gambler and casino reviewer with over a decade of experience in the online gaming industry.