Chelsea fans have been hit with worrying news as star midfielder Cole Palmer faces a race against time to be fit for this weekend's massive London derby against title-chasing Arsenal.
The Blues' standout performer this season was notably absent from training at Cobham this week, raising serious concerns about his availability for the crucial Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium.
What We Know About Palmer's Condition
Sources close to the club have revealed that Palmer is battling an unspecified injury that kept him from participating in key training sessions. The timing couldn't be worse for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who are preparing to face an Arsenal team fighting for the championship.
"It's a significant concern," one insider revealed. "Cole has been our most important player this season, and losing him for a game of this magnitude would be a massive blow to our chances."
Palmer's Stunning Impact This Season
The 21-year-old has been nothing short of sensational since his £42.5 million move from Manchester City last summer. With an impressive 20 Premier League goals to his name, Palmer sits joint-top of the scoring charts alongside Erling Haaland.
His contributions extend beyond just goalscoring, having provided nine assists and becoming the creative heartbeat of Chelsea's attack. Losing such influential figures could prove catastrophic against Mikel Arteta's well-drilled Arsenal side.
Pochettino's Selection Headache
Should Palmer fail to recover in time, Pochettino faces a major tactical dilemma. Potential replacements include:
- Raheem Sterling returning to the starting lineup
- Mykhailo Mudryk being handed a starting role
- A potential formation change to accommodate other attacking options
The Chelsea manager will be desperately hoping for positive news as Friday's final training session approaches, with medical staff working around the clock to get their star man fit.
All eyes will be on the team sheet when it's released at 16:30 BST on Saturday, with Chelsea supporters holding their breath hoping to see Palmer's name included.
