According to a report by London Evening Standard on Friday October 30, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has received a significant boost ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter against Manchester United, with Cole Palmer available for selection after completing his suspension.

The Blues will welcome United to Stamford Bridge hoping to recover from consecutive defeats. Chelsea suffered their first home loss of the season against Tottenham before exiting the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool.

Palmer was absent from Chelsea's matchday squad against Liverpool on Wednesday after being sent off for receiving two yellow cards during the defeat to Tottenham.

However, the attacking midfielder will not miss any Premier League fixtures because his automatic one-match suspension was served during Chelsea's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Anfield.

The Premier League confirmed the situation in an official statement, explaining: "Despite being sent off for two bookable offences in Chelsea's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and receiving an automatic one-match suspension, Cole Palmer will not miss any Premier League matches."

The statement added that the England international completed his suspension during Chelsea's midweek League Cup encounter against Liverpool.

His availability represents welcome news for Alonso, whose side will attempt to take advantage of Manchester United's difficult run of form. United have reportedly gone eight matches without a victory across all competitions.

While several Chelsea players who featured against Liverpool completed recovery sessions inside the gym at Cobham, Palmer trained outdoors alongside Valentin Barco and Marco Palestra.

The attacking midfielder previously apologised to Chelsea supporters for his dismissal against Tottenham and acknowledged his mistake. His return could provide the attacking quality Chelsea need to improve their recent performances.

Alonso also confirmed that he had discussed the incident with Palmer before the Liverpool match, making it clear that the midfielder understood the consequences of his actions.

"We spoke. He knows the mistake he made," Alonso explained. "It's something he can avoid. Let's hope it's not going to be repeated. He's mature. It was a mistake."

Palmer is now expected to challenge for an immediate return to Chelsea's starting lineup against Manchester United, although Alonso will make the final decision regarding his involvement.

With Chelsea desperate to end their losing streak and United struggling for results, Saturday's encounter presents both sides with an important opportunity to regain momentum.