Chelsea's Cole Palmer Ruled Out of Crystal Palace Fixture with Thigh Problem
Chelsea will be without attacking midfielder Cole Palmer for their Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. The 23-year-old has been omitted from the matchday squad due to a minor thigh injury, with manager Liam Rosenior providing clarity on the situation ahead of kick-off at Selhurst Park.
Rosenior Explains Cautious Approach to Palmer's Fitness
Speaking to Sky Sports before the match, Rosenior confirmed Palmer's absence, stating: "Unfortunately for us, Cole's not quite right for this one. I've said before in press conferences, we want to make sure every player is at 100 per cent. There's no use risking players in January for what we want to achieve. 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."
This marks the second consecutive match Palmer has missed, having also been absent from Chelsea's midweek 1-0 victory over Pafos. Rosenior revealed that absence was similarly due to "tightness" in his thigh, though the manager had initially anticipated a quicker return for the player.
Chelsea's Revised Lineup Without Key Playmaker
With Palmer unavailable, Rosenior has deployed a midfield trio of Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. The attacking responsibilities fall to a front three consisting of Estevao, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro.
The team news, announced at 12.45pm on Sunday, confirmed Palmer's absence from both the starting lineup and the substitutes' bench for the 2pm kick-off against Roy Hodgson's side.
Palmer's Persistent Fitness Challenges This Season
The England international has faced ongoing fitness issues throughout the current campaign, managing just 12 Premier League appearances so far. His season began with groin problems before a broken toe in November sidelined him for an extended period.
Football.London journalist Bobby Vincent reported: "Cole Palmer missing for Chelsea today with minor thigh injury. Trained last two days and hope is he will be fit for trip to Naples."
Rosenior Dismisses Transfer Speculation Amid Injury Concerns
The injury news follows recent reports linking Palmer with a potential move to Manchester United, amid suggestions the Wythenshawe-born player was experiencing homesickness in London. Rosenior moved swiftly to address these rumours earlier this week.
"I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems, and is, very, very happy to be here," the Chelsea manager asserted. "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."
Chelsea's European Ambitions Remain in Focus
Following their London derby against Palace, Chelsea turn their attention to European competition. The Blues face Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday evening, aiming to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
Currently positioned eighth in the European standings with four victories, one draw and two defeats, Chelsea face pressure from several clubs including Barcelona, Sporting CP, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Atalanta, all closely trailing on goal difference. A convincing victory may prove necessary to cement their place in the top eight.
Rosenior's cautious approach with Palmer's recovery reflects the balancing act between immediate Premier League points and longer-term European aspirations, with the manager clearly prioritizing player welfare during a congested January schedule.
