Huge boost: Cole Palmer is expected to start for Chelsea against Crystal Palace
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Cole Palmer will return to the Chelsea team for Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace, provided he comes through Friday’s training session without any hiccups.
Palmer missed Wednesday's 1-0 win over Pafos in the Champions League due to a small thigh strain but is expected to be available when Chelsea face the Eagles at Selhurst Park.
“Cole is in a good place,” head coach Liam Rosenior said. “He joined training today [Friday] which is really positive. We'll assess his reaction to training.”
Jamie Gittens and Estevao were both unavailable against Brentford due to illness but were on the bench against Pafos and expected to be available against Palace.
There was some concern about goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen when he was substituted at half-time in midweek due to an injury, but while scans have since shown the injury is not as bad as first feared, he is still expected to miss the Palace match.
There is internal optimism at Chelsea that he may be able to make a return to the squad for next week’s final Champions League group phase match against Napoli.
Filip Jorgensen’s injury is not as bad as initially feared
Tosin Adarabioyo came off injured against Brentford and remains sidelined, as do Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill.
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A new injury was picked up by Dario Essugo, who Rosenior explained had suffered an unfortunate slip in training which is anticipated to see him miss a month of action.
Rosenior can choose between Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to lead the line and between Malo Gusto or club captain Reece James at right-back.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro
Injuries: Lavia, Colwill, Tosin, Jorgensen, Essugo
Doubts: Palmer
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday January 25, 2026
Venue: Selhurst Park