Marco Palestra has expressed his gratitude to his Chelsea teammates and manager Xabi Alonso for helping him through a difficult start at Stamford Bridge after an injury.

The 21-year-old joined Chelsea from Atalanta in a deal worth more than £43 million after an impressive season in Serie A, during which he was named the league’s Defender of the Year while on loan at Cagliari.

He also had a very good pre-season with Chelsea, playing the third-most minutes (338) in the squad, behind only Wesley Fofana (353) and Joao Pedro (348) throughout the tour in Australia and Asia.

Unfortunately, Palestra suffered a quadriceps injury just before the season started, and his widely anticipated debut had to be delayed.

He finally made his first competitive appearance for Chelsea in early October, coming on as a substitute in a comfortable Premier League win over Bournemouth after missing two months with injury. But even then, Palestra had to be patient as he gradually returned.

The Italy international made two more substitute appearances before finally earning his first start for Chelsea in a win over Manchester United in late October. He then kept his spot in the starting XI in last week’s defeat to Sunderland, and this time, at his preferred right-back position.

Palestra, who is currently on international duty with Italy, said he is now feeling ready fitness-wise.

“It’s all going well, even though I got injured and had to recover,” the defender told Rai Sport (via Tuttomercatoweb) when asked about his new experience in England.

“I’ve started playing now; I’m fit and feeling good. I have to thank the manager and my teammates. 

“I’m lucky because, when I came back, they managed my return well, bringing me back gradually and calmly. I feel good now.”

Palestra is, of course, well-known for his attacking qualities despite being a defender. He completed more dribbles (81) than any other defender in Europe’s top five last season and recorded 67 touches in the opposition box, the fifth-most in Serie A. He also bagged a goal and four assists in the campaign.

Asked whether he feels the pressure to prove himself at Chelsea while still searching for his debut goal, he responded: “No, definitely not. It’s not up to me to decide when to score; I can only try to play well and improve as much as possible.

“It hasn’t bothered me. I’m focused on improving every day and on playing. I’m lucky to be playing alongside some really strong players who help me, and to have a brilliant coaching staff. 

“I think it’s to be expected, especially as I’ve joined the strongest league and the most important competition in the world. So it’s fine as it is; I’m happy, and I want to keep going down this path.”

With Reece James' injury and Josh Acheampong's recent absence, Palestra could play a more prominent role for Chelsea over the next couple of months. Acheampong is dealing with only a minor issue and is expected to return soon, but captain James will likely remain sidelined until early 2027 after undergoing knee surgery.

Palestra’s versatility, being comfortable playing with both feet, allows him to play on both the right and the left. This could only help him earn more minutes in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.