Chelsea Manager Provides Reassuring Update on Cole Palmer's Fitness
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has delivered a positive update regarding Cole Palmer's fitness, confirming the playmaker's absence from Wednesday's Champions League victory over Pafos was purely precautionary. The Blues secured a narrow 1-0 win against the Cypriot side at Stamford Bridge, with Moises Caicedo's second-half header proving decisive.
Precautionary Measure for Key Playmaker
Rosenior explained that Palmer reported feeling "something really minor" during Chelsea's Premier League victory against Brentford last Saturday, despite completing the full ninety minutes of that match. The Chelsea boss emphasised his cautious approach, stating: "I don't want to risk any players at this stage, particularly someone of Cole's quality."
This season has presented ongoing fitness challenges for Palmer, who previously missed two months between October and December due to a persistent groin issue. His unexpected omission from the matchday squad against Pafos raised immediate concerns among supporters, but Rosenior's comments suggest the absence should be short-term.
Injury Management Across the Squad
Chelsea's medical team exercised caution with multiple players during the European encounter. Captain Reece James was substituted at half-time as part of Rosenior's ongoing minutes management strategy for the defender. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen sustained an injury during the first half and was replaced by Robert Sanchez at the interval.
The Blues' victory positions them favourably in their Champions League group, currently occupying eighth place with the top eight teams guaranteed progression to the knockout stages. Chelsea face Serie A champions Napoli in their final group-phase match next week, knowing a victory would significantly enhance their qualification prospects.
Rosenior's Assessment of Performance and Prospects
Reflecting on his team's performance against a resilient Pafos side, Rosenior highlighted the importance of defensive solidity combined with attacking persistence. "You have to keep banging down the door and you also have to keep the back door shut," he remarked, praising his players' determination and positive body language throughout the match.
The Chelsea manager reserved particular praise for match-winner Moises Caicedo, describing the midfielder as "an outstanding player, a world-class midfield player" who has demonstrated his attacking threat this season. Rosenior noted how Caicedo's positioning higher up the pitch proved effective against Pafos's defensive approach.
Looking ahead, Rosenior expressed confidence in Chelsea's current position, stating: "The reality of our situation now is we're in the top eight. If we win, we have a good chance of going through." The immediate focus shifts to Sunday's Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace, where Palmer's potential return would provide a significant boost to Chelsea's attacking options.
