Cole Palmer nearing full fitness says Liam Rosenior | OneFootball

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior believes Cole Palmer (23) is nearing a return to full fitness and will soon be able to play a more consistent role as the season enters a decisive phase, as reported by Sky Sports.

Palmer has been carefully managed in recent weeks after a stop-start campaign disrupted by injury, with the England international yet to complete consecutive 90-minute appearances. He played the full match against West Ham last weekend but was introduced from the bench during Tuesday’s defeat at Arsenal, a decision Rosenior insists was made with the long term in mind.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Wolves, Rosenior acknowledged the challenges of balancing player welfare with the demands of an unforgiving schedule. Rather than frustration, he framed the situation as one of responsibility, ensuring Palmer is physically and mentally ready to deliver at his highest level when it matters most.

The 23-year-old remains central to Rosenior’s plans, with the Chelsea boss emphasising that Palmer’s value lies in his ability to influence games across the pitch, not in being preserved for select occasions. Progress, Rosenior said, is being assessed daily, with careful attention to how the midfielder feels and recovers between matches.

There is growing optimism at Stamford Bridge that Palmer’s setbacks are behind him. Rosenior is confident the midfielder is close to a point where he can shoulder the demands of playing every minute, restoring a key creative presence to Chelsea’s run-in.

GFN | Finn Entwistle