LONDON – Chelsea could be without top scorer Cole Palmer for the clash away at English Premier League leaders Arsenal, with the forward struggling to recover from illness, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on April 22.

“Today, no (he cannot play),” Pochettino told a press conference. “We will see tomorrow morning.

“Today, I don’t believe he can be involved. Even if he is good tomorrow, maybe he is not in a condition to play. We hope he can recover from this situation and be involved with the team.”

The 21-year-old, who played in the 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City on April 20, has been the shining light of a difficult first season for Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

He is joint-top scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals, level with his former club City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

His absence would be a blow for Chelsea as they try to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for Europe. It would also be a considerable boost for Arsenal as they try to win the title for the first time in 20 years.

However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta brushed off Palmer’s absence, saying on April 22: “Whatever they put out, when you look at the squad, the quality that they have, it’s great.

“I think they are doing very, very well and much better than people say. It will be a tough match, for sure.”

Defenders Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are also doubtful for the derby, according to Pochettino.

Chelsea are ninth in the league with 47 points from 31 matches, three points behind seventh-placed Manchester United but with one game in hand.

Qualifying for Europe would be consolation for Chelsea and, having also reached the League Cup final, would represent progress of sorts for Pochettino.

But he said the target is to close the gap to Arsenal.

“We are confident in one day getting the same level, of course,” the Argentinian said. “We are positive and always in football the most important thing is to believe.

“Arsenal a few years ago, they were in a different situation than today. But in time, with confidence and trust in him (Mikel Arteta), they are there. Here, it is not a different thing.”

However, when that comparison was put to Arteta, he insisted the two London sides were on “very different” journeys.

Said the Spaniard: “I think the journey of the clubs are very, very different. Nothing to compare, in my opinion.

“I have huge admiration for Mauricio because I’ve known him since 23 years ago and I really wish him all the best.

“He’s an incredible manager. He’s a huge leader and he will inspire that club to get to where they want to get, that’s for sure.”

Chelsea drew 2-2 at home to Arsenal earlier in the season, having led 2-0, but Pochettino said the circumstances were a little different this time.

“Now is the end of the season, they are playing for the Premier League. We need the three points to be in another position in the table,” he said.

“We are two or three games behind all of the teams above us and it is important to try and win games like this, to be close to European competition next season.”

Seventh spot could seal a place in Europe, depending on other results.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are gunning for the title.

They sit top of the table on 74 points, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference. City are third on 73 points, but with a game in hand.

Said Arteta of the title race: “You’re depending on another two teams – the two best teams in this league, two of the best in the history of this league.” REUTERS