Jose Mourinho drops Cole Palmer verdict and reveals what he’s “happy” about ahead of Chelsea return | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has labelled Cole Palmer a “phenomenal” player, but admitted he’s happy he won’t be available on Tuesday night.

Benfica travel to Stamford Bridge on match day two of the Champions League, as Mourinho once again returns to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho won three Premier League titles across two spells at the club, and is arguably the greatest manager in Chelsea’s history.

Jose Mourinho happy Cole Palmer won’t play against Benfica

A lot has changed since Mourinho’s days at Chelsea, and the club are run very differently, and are going in a different direction under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.

Mourinho hit out at his former club for “crazy” spending, but one player who has turned out to be a brilliant signing is Palmer.

Palmer is set to return for Chelsea after the international break. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Palmer will miss the game against Benfica with a groin injury that’s been causing him problems since the Club World Cup.

Chelsea hope Palmer will return after the international break, and Mourinho has admitted he’s happy he won’t feature on Tuesday night.

“I’m happy with that, he’s a phenomenal player,” he told Mail Sport.

“But I think they have a good team, in a way that if Cole Palmer doesn’t play it’s not a problem for them.

“If (Heorhiy) Sudakov doesn’t play or if (Vangelis) Pavlidis doesn’t play, I am in big trouble. But for Chelsea, no problem.”

Chelsea face injury crisis

It’s not just Palmer who is out for the visit of Benfica, Chelsea also have major issues at centre back with both Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana missing.

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Tosin has a calf injury, whilst Fofana suffered a concussion against Lincoln, leaving Maresca with Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong.

Jorrel Hato started at centre back against Brighton and could be an option, whilst Benoit Badiashile also got his first minutes of the season against the Seagulls, but it’s a far from ideal situation.