'TIME TO SHOW WE CAN COPE WITHOUT COLE'

POCHETTINO CONFIDENT HIS SQUAD WILL STEP UP IF TALISMAN PALMER MISSES HUGE CLASH WITH LEADERS

- Nizaar Kinsella and Simon Collings

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has challenged Chelsea to show they are not "Cole Palmer Football Club" by beating Arsenal tonight if he is not fit.

Palmer has been struggling with illness and is a doubt for the game at Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea were assessing the joint-top scorer in the Premier League but his absence would be a boost to Arsenal's title hopes as they attempt to move three points clear at the top of the table this evening.

Should Palmer miss out, Pochettino says it would give other Chelsea players a chance to step up.

"It is a good challenge if Palmer is not available," said Pochettino. "It's a good challenge for his team-mates or those in a similar position.

"If I were them, I would be motivated to go there tomorrow and show that this is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club." Palmer has enjoyed an outstanding season since joining Chelsea for £42.5million from Manchester City last summer, and has established himself as their talisman.