Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer is an injury doubt for Monday night's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The underdog scored his 14th goal of the season against Bournemouth on Tuesday, sending goalkeeper Mark Travers to the ground with an embarrassing dummy before picking the net.
However, as Maresca pointed out when he spoke to the assembled media Friday afternoon, Palmer took a lot of hits during a physical draw 2-2. “Cole is a doubt”, admitted the Italian. “The first half (of the last game) they kicked him, so he didn't train today.
“We don't know if he will train in the next two days”, added Maresca.
Chelsea has been accused of it heavily dependent on Palmer. The English playmaker has either scored or assisted 20 goals in the Premier League this season – almost half of the team's total (49%). However, Maresca was confident the rest of his players could adapt to the absence of their talisman.
“We rely on Cole because he is a great player Manchester City the coach of the youth team emphasized. We prefer to play with Cole, but in case he has an injury or a problem, then we will find a solution.”
Chelsea haven't had to play much without Palmer since his arrival in September 2023. The former City academy graduate has missed just two of the club's last 56 Premier League games – once through suspension and while it was cold on another occasion.
Palmer is not the only first-team player whose fitness is in doubt ahead of Monday's visit of Wolves. First choice quarterback Levi Colwill, who – like Palmer – has been a virtual ever-present in the Premier Leaguerisks losing in one shot.
Regular absentee Romeo Lavia and vice-captain Enzo Fernandez are also dealing with muscle fatigue.