Cole Palmer looks set to be involved at Selhurst Park after manager Liam Rosenior insisted the winger is happy at Chelsea and is being managed for fitness. Betting angle: Palmer’s expected involvement boosts Chelsea’s attacking depth — punters might favour Chelsea to score and consider Palmer as an anytime scorer if he passes the matchday fitness test.
Cole Palmer: Fitness, Form and Future at Chelsea
Cole Palmer has endured a stop-start season at Chelsea, hampered by a persistent groin problem that has limited his availability. The 23-year-old has started just 10 of Chelsea’s 22 Premier League matches this term and has five goals in 13 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26.
Manager Insists Palmer Is Happy and Part of Long-Term Plans
Liam Rosenior dismissed suggestions that Palmer is unsettled and linked to a move back to Manchester, stating the winger is happy at Stamford Bridge. "I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here," Rosenior said, adding that Palmer is "a huge part in our long-term plans."
Matchday Availability: Selhurst Park and Beyond
Palmer sat out Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Pafos in the Champions League after scoring a penalty in the 2-0 victory at Brentford at the weekend. Rosenior indicated the decision to rest him was part of a broader plan to manage his fitness load and maximise his consistency for the run-in. The manager expects Palmer to be considered for the trip to Crystal Palace.
Fitness Management Key to Consistent Performances
Rosenior made clear his priority is to get Palmer "into a situation where he can consistently perform to the level he wants to." When asked if Palmer was fully fit, Rosenior said it was his responsibility to manage him alongside the squad: "I need to look after the players."
Midfield Cover and Injury Concerns
Chelsea are monitoring midfield options ahead of the January window after Dario Essugo suffered a training setback and will be sidelined for over a month. Romeo Lavia is on the mend and expected to return to action, easing some concerns in midfield.
Current Midfield Options
Rosenior highlighted the players currently available as part of the solution: Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Reece James. He emphasised the club will only bring in recruits who genuinely enhance the squad and its chemistry.
Implications for Chelsea’s Season
With Palmer managed carefully and other midfield pieces returning from injury, Chelsea aim to push for involvement in the "big games" late in the season. Consistent fitness for key attacking players like Palmer will be crucial if Chelsea are to convert potential into results.
Liam Rosenior confirms Chelsea injury blow amid quadruple positive fitness updates
Cole Palmer has endured a difficult season at Chelsea, with injuries hampering his availability, and the England star has been linked with a move back to Manchester
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