Stan Collymore has a rather concerning take on Cole Palmer’s recent toe fracture and how long it could take him to return for Chelsea.
Palmer can’t seem to catch a break this season.
Enzo Maresca announced the Palmer news at his pre-Burnley press conference, and it came as a real shock.
It was thought Palmer could be back for Barcelona in midweek, but now he’s ruled out until after the Arsenal game next weekend.
Collymore, though, has quite a different timeline in mind.
Cole Palmer looks on during Manchester United vs Chelsea
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Stan Collymore reckons Cole Palmer injury is a long-term issue
Maresca’s presser comments suggested the fracture is more of a setback than anything else, but former Premier League midfielder Collymore isn’t sure.
He appeared on talkSPORT on Friday, discussing what he believes to be a serious problem for Chelsea.
He says: “So when I saw the news about a couple of hours ago, it’s like Cole Palmer fractures toe, stubbing it on the door. It’s always one of those that people go, ah, crikey, bit of a laugh, bit of a joke.
“But his bone, as a matter of fact, will not heal for six weeks. So let’s say all the swelling goes down, but it’s going to take six weeks. There’s no way they’re going to have him checking and turning on it.”
Chelsea have done well without Palmer, but his absence hurts all the same.
Thomas Tuchel has warned Palmer about competition in the England squad, and this development isn’t going to help his starting prospects.
Collymore continues: “The point I’m trying to make is, is from an England fan’s perspective, is that if it’s four to six weeks just to heal, there’s going to be no fast track to healing.
“For a player that checks and turns and does lots of dynamic movement, again, putting six to eight to ten times your body weight through it, watch this space to see whether he’s fit by the next international break in March.”
Collymore isn’t a medical professional, so his word isn’t gospel, but he has suffered a similar injury and if he’s right, that is a massive blow for Chelsea.
Cole Palmer celebrates with Estevao Willian after Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Estevao could be fast-tracked if Palmer is out that long
We learned this week that Chelsea plan on converting Estevao to a 10 in the next few years. That’s where they see the 18-year-old playing long-term.
Obviously, that position is Palmer’s, but if he is to miss the next couple of months, it might be worth pulling the trigger on his position change.
Who will have the better career at Chelsea?
Pedro Neto is in fine form on the right, so it is feasible for Maresca. Joao Pedro played the 10 role against Burnley to great effect, but it would be nice to have another option.
Hopefully, Collymore is mistaken and Palmer is back much sooner.