On another day, Chelsea could have won the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals against Arsenal, considering how things played out at Stamford Bridge. But errors at the back and the absence of key players meant that all they could manage was a 3-2 defeat. Alejandro Garnacho's brace keeps the tie alive, but is this side capable of winning away against Mikel Arteta's side?
Cole Palmer was one of the players missing for Chelsea against Arsenal. The Englishman has had a stop-start season due to recurring fitness issues, and fans will be worried.
There is some positive news on the fitness front though. While Palmer is not 100%, it looks like leaving him out was precautionary. in order to avoid risking another injury more than anything else.
As reported by the club's official website, Liam Rosenior said regarding the fitness status of Palmer:
"With Cole, the game came too early for him. Hopefully, he'll be available to train on Friday and hopefully be ready for us on Saturday.
'He had a little, minor strain in his thigh, and if you play a player too early, in January, with a minor strain, it can turn into six weeks [out injured]. I can't afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks because he's too good."
Real reason Chelsea dropped Cole Palmer against Arsenal
It would be safe to say that Palmer is a difference maker for Chelsea. He has not showed that consistently this season, but it is difficult to do that when you are consistently dealing with niggling fitness issues.
The priority for Chelsea has to be getting Palmer back to his best fitness levels. We need to see him performing like he was in his first 18 months with the club. Or in that Club World Cup final against PSG.
That is what a fit and in-form Palmer is capable of. Unfortunately, injury issues have prevented that version from showing up on a consistent basis lately.
The positive news is that it looks like Palmer is very close to returning to action. He might very well end up featuring at the weekend. Even if he does not, it is more than likely that he will play in the game after that. In the long run, we need him to be available on a consistent basis though. Unfortunately, a Reece James-like load management strategy might be the way forward for the injury-riddled midfielder.