Chelsea star Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer is fit and raring to go ahead of the new season(Image: Ryan Pierse)
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Xabi Alonso believes Cole Palmer has turned a corner in relation to his injury troubles and has tipped the "world-class" Chelsea star to shine in the new season.
The 24-year-old scored just 11 goals for the Blues across 34 matches in all competitions last term, which by the standards he has set during his time at Stamford Bridge is below-par. Such form led to Palmer being omitted from England's World Cup squad this summer.
While that was devastating news for Palmer, Chelsea could reap the benefits from one of their star attackers being allowed an extended break. Palmer struggled throughout the 2025/26 season with a recurring groin injury, one that sources described as complex and needing day-to-day management.
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Palmer was a prominent figure for Alonso in the Spaniard's first pre-season as Chelsea manager and is expected to start when the Blues make the short trip to Fulham on Monday night for their Premier League opener. Alonso is tipping Palmer, who he described as "world class", to have a much better season this time around.
"Cole is determined to enjoy his football," said Alonso. "He wants to be fit, he wants to feel healthy.
"He wants to have a good connection with the players around him. We have this goal.
"If we are able to reach him and he feels that flow in the game and connects well with the players, I'm sure his level is top, top class, world class, and that he will have a great season."
Cole Palmer and Xabi Alonso
Cole Palmer and Xabi Alonso in conversation(Image: Peksi Cahyo)
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Palmer's struggles last season can be put down to a number of things, but most obviously, it seems as if the aforementioned groin problem played a significant role. Alonso detailed how the England international has been working hard to avoid similar issues in the new campaign.
When asked if the fitness problems from last season have gone, Alonso responded: "I've seen that. I think that sometimes you need to go through a moment with an injury or whatever to learn from that.
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"Cole has gone through a difficult period with an injury and now he's working really hard to have the prevention to not feel those symptoms back. Since the first day, he's been working really hard to avoid that."
Elsewhere, new signing Danny Welbeck will be assessed this weekend ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage. The 35-year-old striker has been carrying a knock in recent days but Alonso said he expects the former Brighton man to be fit.
Alonso would not clarify whether Mykhailo Mudryk will be in the squad. Sources close to Chelsea have hinted a loan move could be on the cards for the Ukrainian, who recently returned to football after his anti-doping ban was lifted.
"We will see," replied Alonso when asked if Mudryk will be in the squad. "We don't have to rush on decisions. At the right time, we will take that decision."
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