Exclusive: Injury expert reveals the truth behind Cole Palmer’s recent injury struggles | OneFootball

Exclusive: Injury expert reveals the truth behind Cole Palmer’s injury struggles

Cole Palmer hit the ground running upon his arrival at Chelsea from Manchester City and quickly became one of the best players in the world.

However, the 2025/26 season has been a frustrating one for the 23-year-old, as he struggles to find both form and fitness.

Palmer has made just 13 Premier League appearances so far this season and has played just 39% of the available minutes in that competition.

He has completed just three full 90 minutes since the opening day draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery, speaking exclusively to EPL Index, shared his thoughts on his recent fitness issues…

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Is this the start of a bigger problem?

Many Chelsea fans will be worrying that this could just be the beginning of a bigger issue regarding Palmer’s fitness, but Dinnery believes that isn’t the case.

“It’s certainly a problem because we have all seen what he has brought to Chelsea since he joined from Man City,” began Dinnery, “We’re still talking about a very young player here and that transition into constant senior football is hard.”        

“He had the Euros and then the Club World in the last two summers, so he hasn’t had any real rest,” continued Dinnery, “But there’s nothing to suggest that this is a pattern that is going to damage his career going forward, but it’s just a few knocks and niggles along the way.”      

“I’m sure we will see Cole Palmer back at his best very soon and hopefully this little period of rest will help in the latter stages of the season.”

Looking ahead

A full return of Cole Palmer, in terms of both form and fitness, would be brilliantly timing for Chelsea and England.

Under new head coach Liam Rosenior, Chelsea are in the midst of a battle for top four, as well as holding serious ambitions in the UEFA Champions League.

Further down the line, Palmer will have his eyes set on the World Cup, where he will be hoping to play a pivotal role in any England success.

Either way, with just five goals and two assists so far this season, fans will be hoping for an up-turn in form in the near future.