Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
In a chilling warning to Chelsea’s top-four rivals, Cole Palmer has admitted he is finally pain-free for the first time in five months, warning that he is only just beginning to rediscover his rhythm.
It seems like forever since we last saw a fully fit Cole Palmer, as this season has been a story of consistent setbacks for the England international.
Chelsea have had to deal with Palmer’s absence on 19 occasions this season.
But we did receive the good news that Palmer doesn’t require surgery for the niggling groin injury, which points to all the rest Liam Rosenior has been giving him while working out.
And Palmer’s latest admission to the Chelsea physios supports that statement.
Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer admits he’s feeling the best he’s felt in months
Speaking ahead of Chelsea‘s win over Aston Villa, Palmer shared an update on his fitness.
“I still feel a bit away from being [the best Cole Palmer]. I’ve said to the physios this week that this is the best I have felt in four or five months.
“I can do everything on the pitch now so it is just about finding my rhythm…”
That’s five goals and an assist in his last five games in the Premier League for Chelsea. Long may it continue, as an injury-free Cole Palmer holds the key.
Alejandro Garnacho's performance in numbers from Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea still need to keep a close eye on Cole Palmer
To navigate a congested March schedule that includes a Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain and an FA Cup trip to Wrexham, Liam Rosenior must implement a rotation policy for Palmer.
Having missed 19 games already this season, Palmer’s recent admission that he is finally feeling better should be treated with cautious optimism rather than a license to play every minute. While he played a key role in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa, Palmer’s history of setbacks suggests that overloading him now could jeopardise his availability for Chelsea’s push on all fronts.
Rosenior should look to utilise the depth provided by a returning Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto to rest Palmer during the domestic cup ties, preserving him specifically for PSG and pivotal league fixtures against Newcastle and Everton.