Chelsea are in for a potentially nervy few weeks ahead during the international break, with news of Cole Palmer’s injury recently emerging.
Chelsea’s talisman hasn’t been at his prolific best in front of goal since the turn of the New Year, but there’s no denying that the Blues are a much better team when Palmer is involved.
The midfielder has scored 14 goals and been on hand to provide six assists for his Chelsea team-mates so far this season, as they battle to finish in the top-four in the Premier League table.
It seems a tough ask for Palmer to hit the heights he had with Chelsea last season, in what was a hugely impressive breakthrough season for the former Manchester City youngster.
The 22-year-old netted 27 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions for the London-based side last term, but given his recent injury problems, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to beat that goal contribution total in this year’s campaign.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca issued an update on Palmer’s injury, which came after the England international was left out of the matchday squad in the Blues’ recent 1-0 defeat at the hands of London rivals, Arsenal.
“His injury was from yesterday’s session, it’s a muscular problem. He needs a scan, and it is planned for tomorrow morning. I hope he can be back for our next game, but we need to wait for a scan.
“We don’t wish players injury, but probably in Cole’s case in this moment it will give him some rest, physically and mentally, it could be good.”
Palmer certainly isn’t shot shy, and has already had 102 shots this season, which is the joint-second highest attempts at goal from any player in the Premier League.
Only Liverpool’s Mo Salah has had more attempts at goal with 106 to his name so far in the top-flight.
Chelsea only had eight shots in their recent defeat to Arsenal, which will be a concern for Enzo Maresca, as they didn’t offer much of an attacking threat at all, as the Gunners cruised to three points.
Chelsea are fourth in the top-flight standings heading into the international break, and it’s hugely important for them that Palmer returns to the squad at the earliest of opportunities.
Only five points separates Chelsea from tenth-placed AFC Bournemouth, and with just nine games remaining in the 2024/25 campaign, there’s all to play for in the battle to secure European football for next season.
There’s plenty of potentially season-defining matches coming up for the Blues as well, with a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur up first, before a tricky test against a much-improved Brentford side.
Palmer’s injury status could define Chelsea’s season though, and if he’s not deemed fit enough to feature, then the Blues’ season could stall at a crucial time.
