Liam Rosenior has provided an update on Cole Palmer ahead of Chelsea's clash against West Ham. The 23-year-old midfielder was nursing a minor thigh problem, which ruled him out of the wins over Pafos and Crystal Palace, before marking his return in spectacular fashion.
Palmer came off the bench to help the Blues secure automatic qualification to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The England international lead Chelsea to victory against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night, providing the assist for each of Joao Pedro's second-half strikes.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, the Blues boss confirmed that Palmer will be available to start against the Hammers at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior said: "[He's] absolutely fine. He's available to start tomorrow, so I'm really happy about that – like I am when any player's available to start."
The former Manchester City prospect 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. He spent the next two months or so on the sidelines before reappearing in December.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Between Enzo Maresca and Rosenior, Palmer has been carefully reintegrated into the starting lineup as he looks to rebuild his fitness.
MORE TO FOLLOW...
We'll bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. For the latest news and breaking news, visit football.london. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you for the capital's clubs.
Shining a light on the issues fans really want to know about and providing rolling coverage of the latest news, football.london's writers give you the bigger picture on your club by knowing the little details inside-out.
Follow us on X @Football_LDN - for the all latest news as it happens in real time. Sign up for one of football.london's free daily and weekly newsletters on your club by clicking here .