Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior insists Cole Palmer is 'very happy' at the club despite recent turmoil and speculation linking him with Manchester United. Palmer joined the Blues from Manchester City in 2023 and has since claimed two trophies at Stamford Bridge, scoring 48 goals and registering 29 assists across 110 appearances. Nevertheless, his importance as a key player has been hampered by fitness issues this season, restricting his playing time below desired levels.
With the midfielder struggling to regain his rhythm since his December comeback, speculation regarding a potential move to Manchester United - the team he supported as a boy - has emerged. Yet Rosenior dismisses any substance to the rumours surrounding Palmer's future, maintaining the player remains devoted to the west London cause.
"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," said Rosenior before Chelsea's fixture against Crystal Palace this Sunday.
"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."
Palmer initially sustained a groin injury at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, was hastily brought back, then worsened the complaint.
He was absent for two months, during which he also broke his toe, before making his comeback ahead of the Christmas fixtures.
Since his return, the England international has only played two complete 90-minute matches, including last weekend's victory over Brentford in which he scored just his fifth goal of the campaign.
Subsequently, a 'little bit of tightness in his thigh' meant Palmer missed Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League triumph over Pafos.
Offering an additional update before Sunday's fixture at Selhurst Park, Rosenior said: "Cole is in a good place, he joined training today which is really positive.
"That's my job [to get him to full fitness]. 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."