Chelsea: Willy Caballero issues worrying Cole Palmer fitness update after early substitution

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·31 dicembre 2025

Chelsea: Willy Caballero issues worrying Cole Palmer fitness update after early substitution

Blues talisman is still yet to play 90 minutes after his injury

Off: Cole Palmer

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Chelsea assistant manager Willy Caballero has explained why Cole Palmer was again substituted early as the Blues drew 2-2 with Bournemouth.

Palmer was withdrawn in the 63rd minute at Stamford Bridge with the scores still level and as Chelsea were chasing a winner. The decision to substitute him was booed by sections of the home support.

Chelsea head coach insisted last week that Palmer is ready to play 90 minutes again following his return from injury, but is still yet to do so.

Maresca did not hold a press conference after the game due to illness, leaving Caballero to address the media.

Asked if fans need show more faith in the manager, the former goalkeeper said: "Of course any supporter wants to have their best players on the pitch, and we want to have the best players on the pitch as well, but Cole is coming from a long injury.

"So in this case we need to find the right substitutions to go for the game, and also to take care of the health of our players, because we want to have them for the long period and for the rest of the season in every single game."

The draw against the Cherries means Chelsea have now won just two of their last nine games in all competitions, and discontent is growing amongst supporters.

Chelsea remain fifth in the Premier League but are nine points behind third-placed Aston Villa and level on points with Manchester United.

The fixture run does not get any easier either, with Manchester City away their next assignment in the league on January 4.