Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer has been suffering with a groin injury.
The playmaker, as expected, was selected in the Blues XI for Friday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
However, Palmer was withdrawn prior to kickoff, Estevao Willian being drafted into the side in his side and delivering a man-of-the-match performance in a 5-1 victory at the London Stadium.
While the England international was ultimately not missed as the Blues cantered to three points against one of their rivals, there was natural concern over the fitness of the club's star man.
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates his goal on August 22, 2025
Maresca comments on Palmer injury
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Maresca revealed that Palmer had suffered a groin issue during last weekend's goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
Despite the plan being to take a calculated risk on him, Palmer was unable to play a full part in the warm-up and was subsequently rested.
As quoted by football.london, Maresca said: "Cole in the last four or five days was not 100%. He tried the warm-up but he felt something.
"We preferred not to take any risks. We will see if it's something important or not."
When quizzed on specifics, the Italian added: "Groin. Palace game, he was not 100% but he tried to make a big effort for the club, the fans and the team.
"He tried tonight but it was not very good."
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca pictured on June 28, 2025
Time for Palmer to rest?
Chelsea ultimately did not miss Palmer on Friday night and he will now have just over a week to recover for the West London derby versus Fulham on August 30.
Nevertheless, with that being Chelsea's only competitive fixture between now and September 13, it may be worth Chelsea handing Palmer a complete rest until that date.
Since the start of 2023-24, he has made 101 club appearances and racked up 12 caps for England. The 23-year-old has also only had a three-week summer break.
Maresca has frequently insisted that Chelsea cannot be over-reliant on Palmer, something which can now be proven by using the players that brushed West Ham aside when Fulham come to Stamford Bridge next weekend.
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