Chelsea has received a timely fitness boost with the return of star midfielder Cole Palmer to full training ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Napoli.

Palmer is expected to play some part in the fixture, providing manager Liam Rosenior with an important option.

The English international has had a difficult season with injuries, sidelined for Chelsea’s recent wins over Pafos and Crystal Palace due to a thigh strain.

Despite limited playing time this season, his participation in Monday and Tuesday training sessions significantly improves his chances of featuring in Naples.

High Stakes in Naples

The Champions League league phase match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona carries immense pressure for both sides.

Napoli must win to keep their European campaign alive, while Chelsea aims to secure a top-eight finish and avoid a playoff round.

Napoli boasts a formidable home record under Antonio Conte, with just one loss in their last 20 home European matches and an unbeaten run in all competitions at home since December 2024.

Chelsea, meanwhile, arrives in better form under Rosenior, having won four of his first five matches, but continues to struggle in European away fixtures, particularly in Italy.

Team News and Match Prediction

Napoli faces injury challenges, including Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Anguissa, while Chelsea manages Palmer’s return with Romeo Lavia, Filip Jorgensen, and several others sidelined.

Predicted lineups see Napoli fielding Meret; Di Lorenzo, Jesus, Buongiorno; Spinazzola, Lobotka, McTominay, Gutierrez; Vergara, Elmas; Hojlund, and Chelsea lining up with Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.

With Napoli’s strong home record and urgent need for victory, they enter as slight favourites. The expected scoreline is Napoli 2-1 Chelsea, with betting tips including Napoli win or draw, over 2.5 goals, and both teams to score.