Liam Rosenior has provided an update on Cole Palmer ahead of Chelsea's clash against Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old midfielder, whose season has been plagued by injuries, missed the Blues' win over Pafos in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night due to a 'little bit of tightness in his thigh'.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, Rosenior began by providing an update on Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, and Jamie Gittens, who have each recently returned from spells on the sideline due to illness.
"In terms of sickness, the players are coming back to full health," said the Chelsea boss. "We had to be very careful with that. Thankfully the lads have come through that."
Then, on Palmer, Rosenior added: "Cole is in a good place, he joined training today which is really positive. [Filip] Jorgensen had his scan and it was positive. He won't be available for Palace but might be for Napoli."
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The England international suffered a groin injury at the start of the season, only to be rushed back from the treatment room and aggravate the problem a week later. Palmer was out of action for almost two months after breaking his toe towards the end of his rehabilitation.
Between Enzo Maresca, who stepped down on New Year's Day, and Liam Rosenior, the former Manchester City star has been carefully reintegrated into the side. On whether Palmer is 100 per cent fit, the Blues boss said: "That's my job [to get him there].
"I need to look after the players. Not just in terms of Cole, but there's a number of players in the group to look after. I want us to be involved at the end of the season in big games and big competitions."
On whether Palmer is happy at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior added: "I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here. He's a huge part in our long-term plans.
"My job and the club's job is to get him into a situation where he can consistently perform to the level he wants to. There was frustration in the Brentford game. We need to look after him and that's why I didn't involve him in the last game."
Rosenior also provided an update on Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo. The former hasn't featured for Chelsea since the start of November when he was forced to come off inside the opening 10 minutes of a 2-2 draw to Qarabag.
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