Cole Palmer is still very much finding his feet after his recent return to the Chelsea first team squad following a nightmare season so far due to injuries.
Palmer is now up to 10 appearances in the Premier League this season, however completed his first 90 minutes of the campaign against Manchester City on Sunday.
A groin injury kept him on the sidelines for a large portion of the first half of the season, surely a factor behind Enzo Maresca’s underwhelming season and eventual departure from the club.
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Maresca is not happy at accusations he used Palmer when not fully fit, which would have a negative impact on the England international’s long-term fitness.
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Cole Palmer ‘ready to go’ for Chelsea against Fulham
Despite the frequency of games of late, interim manager Calum McFarlane stated that it looks as if he is ready to start again for the West London derby against Fulham.
He told Kieran Gill: “Cole’s in a good place. It’s seeing how they show up today and look and feel in training before we know the exact definitive answer to that, but Cole is ready to go.”
Palmer’s form has not set the world alight recently, however the Blues remain a better side when he is on the pitch.
He moved to the right wing in the second half of the draw against City on Sunday, and the better display from him could be a hint as to where he will start on Wednesday night.
Palmer has point to prove with new manager in the stands
The entire Chelsea squad will be undergoing some sort of audition against Fulham, with Liam Rosenior set to be in attendance.
Liam Rosenior’s style is fast-paced ⏩
Does that suit this Chelsea squad?
Liam Rosenior stats
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Chelsea believe Rosenior would be better off not taking charge until the weekend, giving him time to take a couple of training sessions with his new players.
Palmer is likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet either way due to his quality, although his starting position will likely be under debate.
Given how much more Enzo Fernandez gives the team in a more advanced position, there is certainly an argument that Palmer may be better off doing his work from the right for the foreseeable future.
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