Cole Palmer missed Chelsea’s clash with Pafos due to thigh tightness but is expected to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace. For punters, his likely return boosts Chelsea’s attacking chances — consider backing Chelsea to score (over 1.5 goals) or to win, while monitoring late team news for value on Palace double-chance if doubts remain.
Cole Palmer Ruled Out of Pafos Game but Set to Return for Palace
Cole Palmer was left out of Chelsea’s line-up for the Champions League tie with Pafos after feeling tightness in his thigh, but manager Liam Rosenior expects the 23-year-old to be available for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace. The absence was a precaution rather than a long-term concern.
Manager Confirms Short-Term Issue
Rosenior, who signed a long-term contract after succeeding Enzo Maresca, said Palmer “felt a little bit of tightness in his thigh” and “just misses out, but he should be absolutely fine for Sunday.” Rosenior added that squad management is crucial given the congested schedule.
Palmer’s Stop-Start Season and Injury Record
Palmer has already missed 18 games this season through a series of problems. He suffered a groin issue during the warm-up before the 5-1 win over West Ham in August, pulled up in the defeat to Manchester United less than a month later, and broke a toe at home last November. The Pafos omission means he has featured only once in this season’s Champions League, though he has scored five times in 13 appearances across all competitions.
Implications for Chelsea and Betting Considerations
Chelsea travel to Selhurst Park with the opportunity to push into the Premier League’s top four. Palmer’s availability alters Chelsea’s attacking profile: if he starts, the Blues look more likely to create chances and score, increasing confidence in bets on Chelsea to win or both teams to score. If any doubt remains close to kick-off, bettors may find value in Palace double-chance or match markets that factor a slightly weakened Chelsea attack.
What to Watch Before Sunday
Team news on Palmer’s fitness and the starting XI will be decisive for match markets and in-play strategies. Expect late confirmations from the club; punters should monitor official updates and weigh Palmer’s return when comparing pre-match odds and goal markets.
Former Chelsea boss could save Blues with surprise January loan move for attacker
COLE PALMER was forced to miss Chelsea's showdown with Cypriot minnows Pafos because of a thigh problem - but he is expected to be fit to face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Blues fans were surprised when their talisman, 23, was not on the team sheet for the Champions League clash. And Chelsea chief Liam Rosenior...
The Sun
