Emerson returns to matchday squad for Fiorentina trip

The Brazilian-born full-back suffered the knee injury on the last day of last season but now, just over five months later, he is fit to return to the matchday squad.

"Emerson Palmieri will be in the squad for the first time this season," coach Eusebio Di Francesco revealed during his pre-match press conference.

"He is back with the squad. We are all very happy, he has done everything he needed to during the course of his recovery.

"He is ready to be on the bench this weekend, and we are obviously very pleased about this."

While unlikely to play at the Artemio Franchi, Emerson is closing in on a full return to match action.

Elsewhere, the boss revealed he is likely to rotate once again for Sunday's game.

"In attack, we always have the possibility to change things around," he added. "Tomorrow Edin [Dzeko] will definitely play, but with the others I will have to decide. In the days after the Chelsea game we have worked hard to recover. I haven't made any decisions on the team selection yet, for any of the other spots."