Chelsea report improving fitness ahead of Selhurst Park: Cole Palmer back in training, Jorgensen ruled out this weekend and Dario Essugo sidelined for over a month. Betting tip: with Palmer available, back Chelsea to score (over 1.5 goals) or Palmer as an anytime scorer; reduced midfield depth may limit rotation, so consider a settled Blues XI for the match.
Chelsea fitness update ahead of Crystal Palace trip
Manager Liam Rosenior has offered encouraging fitness news ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League visit to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. A recent viral outbreak disrupted preparations, but Rosenior confirmed the squad is largely recovering, with several players returning to training and match readiness improving.
Viral illness clearing up
Rosenior said the sickness issue has subsided: "In terms of sickness, the players are coming back to full health. We had to be very careful with that. Thankfully, the lads have come through that." The improvement arrives after a midweek Champions League tie in which fatigue and partial recoveries limited some contributors.
Cole Palmer boost, Jorgensen out for Palace
Cole Palmer returned to training and is considered a positive for the trip to Selhurst Park. Rosenior added: "Cole is in a good place, he joined training today, which is really positive." Conversely, striker Jorgensen had a scan that ruled him out for this weekend, though there is a chance he could be available for the upcoming Napoli match.
Injury blow for Dario Essugo, other returns
Summer signing Dario Essugo has suffered a setback. Rosenior confirmed the midfielder slipped in training and will be sidelined for over a month, delaying his Premier League debut.
There is better news on Romeo Lavia, who is progressing back to fitness, while Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Reece James provide midfield and defensive options.
Squad implications and likely selection
Jorgensen’s absence is unlikely to force a goalkeeper change, with Robert Sánchez expected to start. Palmer’s return should bolster Chelsea’s attacking threat and reduce struggles breaking down low-block defences. Essugo’s injury limits depth and may reduce tactical rotation in midfield for the short term.
Match outlook and betting considerations
Palmer’s fitness increases Chelsea’s chance of creating scoring opportunities, suggesting bets on Chelsea to score and Palmer as an anytime scorer are sensible. Squad stability and limited new additions point to a relatively settled starting XI for Rosenior this weekend.
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Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has provided overall positive fitness updates on his squad ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
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