Cole Palmer has missed Chelsea training and will sit out of the Champions League clash with Atalanta on Tuesday as part of his recovery process.Â
The 23-year-old made his first start since the opening day in the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend and played 58 minutes before being replaced by Joao Pedro.
Palmer had been sidelined with a groin injury before he suffered a setback with a freak injury when he fractured his toe playing FIFA.
Palmer played 58 minutes before being replaced by Joao Pedro, with boss Enzo Maresca opting to remain cautious on his return to full fitness.
Cole Palmer to miss Atalanta clash
As part of his recovery process, Chelsea will take on the Italians without the playmaker but will welcome him back to face Everton at the weekend.
Maresca is likely to confirm the news at his press conference this evening ahead of the contest.
The race to finish in the top eight and therefore secure an automatic place in the Champions League knockout is heating up.
Chelsea currently sit seventh on 10 points, level with Atalanta with three games left to play.
A victory on Tuesday would put the Blues in a commanding position, particularly as they’ll be heavy favourites to take three points from Pafos in their next European outing.
Given Palmer’s importance to the side and Liam Delap’s latest injury setback, Chelsea’s reluctance to rush him back into action is more than understandable.
Liam Delap and Cole Palmer absence provides selection headache
Delap endured yet another setback at the weekend when he was forced off in the 32nd minute with his shoulder in a sling.
The striker has already missed around two months of action, and he’s set for a similar timeline on the sidelines after tearing his shoulder ligaments.
Maresca said: “Unfortunately he has already been out for two months and he has to be out again. We don’t know for how long, but it looks quite bad, his shoulder.”
Pedro, who has failed to score since his strike in the victory over Wolves a month ago, is likely to lead the line with fellow strike partner Marc Guiu on the bench.
Maresca may also turn to Pedro Neto to lead the line, which proved successful in the victory against Barcelona.
Palmer’s absence is also likely to mean a return in the No10 position for Enzo Fernandez, with Estevao and Garnacho on either flank.
Atalanta have struggled for form in Serie A this season and currently sit in 12th, with just three victories from 14 matches.
It’s the first time the two clubs have ever played each other, and the first time Chelsea have faced an Italian opponent since a 2-0 victory over AC Milan in 2022.
