Cole Palmer has given Chelsea a significant boost ahead of their London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. He has returned to full training, joining his teammates on the grass on Friday.
The attacking midfielder had missed a number of games with a muscle problem he sustained before the international break. It notably forced him to miss the Blues’ 1-0 loss to Arsenal on March 15 and withdraw from international duty with England.
Palmer had been feeling pain in his hamstrings and had two scans. Neither test showed any structural damage, but the pain persisted, leading the club to take him to Dubai for treatment by a specialist. He had not participated in team sessions at Cobham until now, raising fears he would not recover in time for next week’s decisive encounter.
But those fears have subsided, with photos emerging of Palmer training with his teammates today. This is his first full training session since the injury, and the 22-year-old looked to be in an upbeat mood during the session. His return will be a timely boost to manager Enzo Maresca, who has missed the English international’s vibrant presence on the pitch.
Cole Palmer Lifts Chelsea’s Push for the Top Four
Palmer’s availability could be pivotal as Chelsea brace to take their London rivals. The club will monitor his condition over the weekend to ensure he is fully it. However, his appearance on the turf suggests that he is on track to play, if not from the start, then from the bench.
His return is especially important with Christopher Nkunku still out. His creativity, his movement between the lines, his goal-scoring threat have been central to Chelsea’s attack this season. He has scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 28 Premier League games this season, and he will be vital to their chase for top four.
Chelsea are in no mood to give even an inch either, with the final push for top four slots in the Premier League set to commence. Fourth at the moment, the Blues are embroiled in a close race with Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton, and Fulham.