Is Cole Palmer fit to play for Chelsea vs Aston Villa? Injury latest and FPL deadline confirmed

Chelsea face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, December 27, and Enzo Maresca - as well as Fantasy Premier League managers across the country - will hope that Cole Palmer is fit to play in the fixture

Cole Palmer will be able to play the full 90 minutes against Aston Villa on Saturday - if required - much to the delight of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) across the UK.

The 23-year-old has battled with numerous injuries this season, but now seems set to return from the side-lines. The Englishman picked up a groin injury in September which caused him to miss matches for the Blues across all competitions.

Further drama then unfolded when he suffered a broken toe in November which forced him out for another two match-ups. In the weeks since, Palmer has been working his way back to full fitness, taking part in Chelsea's clash with Newcastle United earlier this month for 79 minutes.

And, now, Palmer should be ready to go the distance against Villa at Stamford Bridge this weekend, after Enzo Maresca delivered a promising update ahead of Christmas.

Is Cole Palmer fit to play against Aston Villa?

Yes. Palmer is able to feature against Villa having recovered from his recent groin and toe injuries, with Chelsea head coach Maresca explaining his work towards match fitness has proven fruitful.

What has Enzo Maresca said about Cole Palmer?

The head coach said: "I think he's ready for 90 minutes, yeah. The progression for a player is 45, one hour, 70.

"He already played one hour against, I think, Everton. He played more than 70 against Newcastle, so I think the progression is there."

When is the FPL deadline for Game Week 18?

The deadline for Game Week 18 of the FPL lands at 6.30pm on Friday, December 26. That's because Manchester United are set to play Newcastle United at Old Trafford at 8pm, in the Premier League's only Boxing Day clash of 2025.

How much is Cole Palmer in FPL?

Given that Palmer has only scored twice from seven appearances for Chelsea this season, his £10.4million price tag in the FPL may be a little off-putting to some virtual managers.

However, considering his tally of 46 goals and 29 assists overall for the Blues since joining in 2023, football fans will know all-too well how many points he can rack up when he's on form.

Who is playing in Game Week 18?

Here's a breakdown of all the Premier League fixtures in Game Week 18;

Manchester United vs Newcastle United - 8pm on Friday, December 26

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City - 12.30pm on Saturday, December 27

Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion - 3pm on Saturday, December 27

Brentford vs AFC Bournemouth - 3pm on Saturday, December 27

Burnley vs Everton - 3pm on Saturday, December 27

Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers - 3pm on Saturday, December 27

West Ham United vs Fulham - 3pm on Saturday, December 27

Chelsea vs Aston Villa - 5pm on Saturday, December 27

AFC Sunderland vs Leeds United - 2pm on Sunday, December 28

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur - 4.30pm on Sunday, December 28