Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer admitted he is still struggling with injury issues even after breaking his long scoring drought in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton.
Chelsea forward opens up on fitness concerns after scoring at Stamford Bridge
The 23-year-old ended a 333-day wait for a goal from open play at Stamford Bridge, but stressed that he is not yet fully fit and continues to manage a problem that has disrupted much of his season.
Palmer’s opener against Everton came after a tough period on the sidelines.
A persistent groin injury had already cost him several weeks of action, and just as he neared full fitness he suffered a fractured toe in a freak accident at home, setting back his recovery further.
Speaking after the match, Palmer was honest about his current condition.
“I wouldn’t say I’m at my best yet. I’m still dealing with an injury,” he said, explaining that his progress has to be carefully managed with club physiotherapists.
He described his recovery as a “day-by-day” process and stressed the importance of not rushing back too soon.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca backed up Palmer’s cautious message, revealing that the forward is unlikely to feature in the club’s upcoming midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City.
Maresca interrupted a BBC interview to bluntly warn that Palmer isn’t yet ready to play multiple games in a short period.
Despite the setback, Maresca insisted Palmer will still be a major asset once fully fit.
“We said many times with Cole we are a better team,” the Italian coach said, acknowledging the midfielder’s quality and importance to Chelsea.
For now, Palmer’s focus stays on regaining full fitness rather than looking ahead to international hopes, with the England squad selection later this season still uncertain.
