Marco Palestra Returns to Chelsea Training Ahead of Premier League Debut

Marco Palestra is finally back on the grass at Cobham. Chelsea’s €60m summer signing returned to full training today and is pushing for a first appearance in blue this weekend – but his late start to the season now threatens his place with Italy.

The 21-year-old wing-back arrived from Atalanta after a spell at Cagliari and lit up pre-season, quickly looking like one of the sharpest players in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. His pace, timing of runs and aggression out wide had Chelsea staff and supporters expecting an immediate impact in the Premier League.

Then came the setback.

Palestra picked up a knock in Chelsea’s final friendly and disappeared from competitive action before his debut ever arrived. He has yet to play a single official minute for the club. Chelsea have not disclosed the exact nature of the problem, nor which part of his leg was affected, only that it was serious enough to rule him out for several weeks.

The wait might finally be ending.

Today’s session marked his first full involvement since the injury and, if all goes well in the next few days, he is in line to be included in the squad for this weekend’s Premier League fixture. Expectations remain cautious: at best, he is being lined up for a second-half cameo rather than a start, a gentle reintroduction after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

That careful management could have consequences beyond Stamford Bridge.

Roberto Mancini is preparing his Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League games, and Palestra’s lack of minutes has thrown his selection into doubt. He has not played a single competitive match this season, a stark reality for a player still trying to cement his place at international level.

Palestra only made his senior Italy debut in March 2026 and has just two caps to his name. Those early appearances hinted at a long international future, his direct running and work rate fitting neatly into Mancini’s plans. But with other options fully fit and already in rhythm, the national coach now faces a decision: take a chance on a talent just back from injury, or lean on players with games in their legs.

Chelsea, for their part, will simply be relieved to see their major investment back in contention. Italy, and Palestra himself, must now hope that a short cameo in the Premier League is enough to keep his Nations League dream alive.