Too Soon For Palmer: Chelsea Star Ruled Out Of PL Action Again, Amid Transfer Rumours

Last Updated:January 25, 2026, 20:08 IST

Cole Palmer misses Chelsea vs Crystal Palace due to a thigh strain but could return for the Napoli clash.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer (AFP)

Cole Palmer won’t be in Chelsea’s squad to face Crystal Palace today — and it’s less drama, more caution.

The England international is still shaking off a minor thigh strain and, while he’s trained over the last two days, the Palace game has come just a little too soon. So, Chelsea have decided not to risk him.

Palmer also missed Wednesday’s Champions League win over Pafos with the same issue, continuing a stop-start season that’s seen him struggle to stay fully fit. He’s completed 90 minutes just four times this campaign and now sits out his first Premier League match since November’s draw with Arsenal.

There is, however, some good news on the horizon.

Chelsea are optimistic Palmer could return for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Napoli, a fixture that’s looming large in their season.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, head coach Liam Rosenior explained the thinking behind the call.

“Unfortunately for us, Cole is not quite right for this one," Rosenior said. “We want to make sure every player is at 100 per cent.

“He’s got a little niggle and it is fine, he is not quite 100 per cent, but he’s got a chance for Wednesday. Hopefully, he is back for that."

Still, Palmer’s absence hasn’t gone unnoticed — especially with the background noise getting louder.

Stamford Bridge might be feeling a little chillier, while Old Trafford suddenly feels… familiar.

Recent reports from Daily Express and Sky Sports have linked Palmer with a possible return to Manchester, with claims that the Chelsea star isn’t entirely settled in London. His boyhood support for Manchester United is well documented, and whispers of him feeling “homesick" have only fuelled the chatter.

That said, there’s plenty of cold water to pour on the speculation. There’s no concrete evidence Palmer is pushing for a move, and more credible sources point to United’s financial constraints, their lack of a permanent manager, and Chelsea’s reluctance to even consider selling one of their biggest assets.

For now, it’s less about transfer twists and more about fitness.

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