Chelsea will be without the services of attacking midfielder Cole Palmer for their Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace this Sunday, as the England international continues to nurse a minor thigh problem.
Injury Setback for Key Playmaker
Palmer, who is 23 years old, missed Chelsea's midweek Champions League victory over Pafos and has now been ruled out of the London derby at Selhurst Park. Manager Liam Rosenior had initially expressed optimism that Palmer would be available for the weekend fixture, but the persistent nature of the thigh issue has forced a more cautious approach.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, Rosenior explained the decision, stating, 'Unfortunately for us Cole's not quite right for this one. I've said before in press conferences we want to make sure that every player is 100 per cent. There's no use risking players in January for what we want to achieve.'
Frustrating Season for Palmer
This latest setback adds to what has been a challenging campaign for the former Manchester City player. Palmer has managed only 12 Premier League appearances so far this season, primarily due to injury concerns. While a groin issue has been the main hindrance, the current thigh niggle has further limited his contributions, with the playmaker having scored just four league goals to date.
Rosenior remains hopeful that Palmer could return for Chelsea's upcoming Champions League match against Napoli on Wednesday, adding, 'He's got a little niggle in his thigh, he's not quite 100 per cent, but he's got a chance for Wednesday, hopefully he's back for then.'
Chelsea's Line-up Adjustments
In Palmer's absence, Rosenior has made several adjustments to the starting eleven. The attacking midfield trio behind striker Joao Pedro will consist of Estevao, Enzo Fernandez, and Pedro Neto. The defensive midfield base is anchored by Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo.
The defensive line-up sees Robert Sanchez in goal, protected by a back four of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, and Marc Cucurella. These changes reflect Chelsea's need to adapt without one of their key creative forces.
Addressing Transfer Speculation
Amidst reports suggesting that Palmer might be homesick for Manchester and linked with a potential move to Manchester United, Rosenior was quick to dismiss such rumours. The Chelsea manager emphasised Palmer's importance to the club's long-term plans.
'I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems, and is, very, very happy to be here,' Rosenior stated. 'He is a huge part of our long-term plans, he's an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficult moments in their career with injuries, but that is no indication of his quality.'
This reassurance from the manager aims to quell any speculation about Palmer's future, highlighting his value to the Chelsea squad despite the ongoing injury struggles.
