Cole Palmer managed as James and Neto face fitness race for Leeds | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior says Cole Palmer is still being carefully managed ahead of Chelsea’s quick turnaround, with Wolves on Saturday then Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Palmer played the full 90 in the 3-2 win at West Ham, then did not start Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat at Arsenal, featuring for 29 minutes off the bench. “He’s a gem, we have to take care of him and make sure he’s ready for the whole of the season,” Rosenior told London World.

With another short turnaround, Palmer’s selection at Wolves could hint at plans for Leeds.

Reece James and Pedro Neto also missed at the Emirates after late cameos at West Ham. “Pedro and Reece have small knocks. They were just in too much pain for tonight.” Both are in a race to be fit for Wolves or for Leeds.

Chelsea’s January across FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League has been heavy. Tuesday will be Leeds’ ninth game of 2026 and Chelsea’s 12th. “The availability of your players always affects your system.”

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk