Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said that attacking midfielder Cole Palmer was left out of the matchday squad for the FA Cup win over Charlton at the weekend as a “precautionary” measure.
While it may be assumed that the 23-year-old was being rested, Rosenior went on to mention that Palmer is one of three players who picked up “minor tweaks or knocks from the Fulham game.”
Considering the England interntional has had to manage a groin problem all season, that raises further concerns about his overall fitness.
While Palmer is expected to be available for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, it does suggest he isn’t 100%.
Expected Return Date – Wednesday 14th January vs Arsenal (h)
Reece James
Like Palmer, the captain didn’t feature against Charlton as a precaution, and it will be hoped that the club were just managing his workload.
James has kept fit for the majority of the season, having previously struggled to stay off the treatment table.
If he has suffered a minor knock, fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that it isn’t anything more serious than that.
Expected Return Date – Wednesday 14th January vs Arsenal (h)