Cole Palmer
CHE
Right Winger
Attacking Midfielder
Half-Space Orchestrator
May 6, 2002 (24)
Left
6'1"
168 lb
Sent off Saturday
Palmer was sent off in Saturday's match against Tottenham.
Analysis: Palmer received a second yellow card late in the second half shortly after Spurs grabbed the lead, and the red card means the midfielder won't be an option for the Oct. 31 match against Manchester United. Since this was a double yellow card, Palmer is expected to miss just one game, meaning he should be able to return Nov. 8 against Sunderland.
Fires six shots in victory
Palmer recorded six shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 65th minute.
Analysis: Despite heavy involvement in the final third, Palmer struggled to be efficient against Everton. The attacking midfielder created two chances, one accurate cross and had only one shot on target. He took the most shots (six) and had four touches in the opposition box. Likewise, he was dispossessed only once while additionally completing a successful dribble. Nevertheless, getting his first yellow card of the Premier League campaign means caution is required in upcoming games.
Provides assist in return
Palmer assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 5-1 victory against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Palmer supplied one assist and created two chances across 88 minutes in Saturday's 5-1 victory, despite finishing without a shot or cross. His driving run and pass set up Jordan Henderson's opener after just over a minute, and he later drew the foul 25 yards from goal that Henderson converted directly for Chelsea's fifth. Palmer entered the match with four goals and two assists across seven appearances in all competitions, and another assist on his return from a period of load management reinforced his role as Chelsea's primary creative threat.
Signs new deal through 2034
Palmer has signed a new contract with Chelsea that will keep him at the club through 2034, according to the club. The attacking midfielder has recorded 91 goal contributions across 138 appearances since arriving in August 2023.
Analysis: Palmer has established himself as a cornerstone of Chelsea's attack since joining the club, helping the Blues win the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup while collecting several individual honors. The 24-year-old has started the current campaign in excellent form, recording four goals and two assists across seven appearances in all competitions. He has also recently recovered from a groin issue linked to his previous pubalgia problems, having withdrawn from international duty with England to focus on his recovery. After resuming training during the break, Palmer has been cleared to face Bournemouth on Saturday and could return directly to the starting lineup. With his long-term future now secured and his fitness improving, Palmer remains a central figure in Chelsea's attack and a high-upside fantasy option.
Fit to face Bournemouth
Palmer (groin) has resumed training and is ready to face Bournemouth on Saturday after using the international break to recover from a problem related to the pubalgia that previously plagued him, according to coach Xabi Alonso. "It's a little bit from the pubalgia he had. He has trained the last week and has felt better. We didn't want to rush because we had the time. What is most important for Cole is to be fully fit and that he enjoys his game and is feeling okay."
Analysis: Palmer has made significant progress in recovering from the groin problem linked to the pubalgia that had been troubling him. The attacking midfielder withdrew from international duty with England and used the extended break to focus on his recovery, returning to training over the past week. Manager Xabi Alonso's latest comments suggest Palmer is feeling considerably better and should be available to feature against Bournemouth. With four goals and two assists across seven appearances in all competitions this season, Palmer remains a key attacking option for Chelsea and could return directly to the starting lineup.
Could be available vs. Bournemouth
Palmer (undisclosed) could be available to face Bournemouth on Saturday, according to George Flood of The London Evening Standard.
Analysis: Palmer didn't represent England during the international break, but reports suggest he spent the past few weeks working abroad with a rehabilitation coach. There seems to be hope he might play Saturday against Bournemouth, but the Blues' medical staff will likely make a final call later in the week after assessing him properly. Palmer has enjoyed a productive start to the 2026/27 season, recording four goals and two assists across seven appearances in all competitions, and his availability will be crucial for Chelsea since Joao Pedro (knee) is likely to miss Saturday's game as well.
Dealing with recurring injury issues
Palmer (undisclosed) has withdrawn from England duty as he continues to deal with injury issues, according to coach Thomas Tuchel, per Henry Winter. "He misses too many opportunities, he misses way too many camps with injuries. It's not his fault. I can only judge what I witness in my team. For that you have to be in camp. If you are not in camp there is a next level you cannot achieve unless you do it in my team. My understanding is that he is playing with discomfort and pain, and he cannot compete at the highest level with discomfort and pain. So he withdrew and informed us."
Analysis: Palmer's withdrawal will allow him to remain with Chelsea and manage his fitness after playing the full 90 minutes in the recent 3-0 loss to Brentford. The attacking midfielder has still enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, recording four goals and two assists across seven appearances in all competitions. However, his recurring fitness issues have continued to interrupt his availability for England, with manager Thomas Tuchel emphasizing the importance of being consistently present in camp.
Withdraws from England squad
Palmer (undisclosed) withdraws from England's squad due to muscle load management, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Analysis: Palmer had played the entirety of Chelsea's recent 3-0 loss to Brentford before this decision to sit out the international break, part of a strong season so far that includes four goals and two assists in seven appearances across all competitions. His withdrawal comes after his recall to the squad had marked a significant return following his omission from the World Cup, with coach Xabi Alonso previously expressing confidence that the injury troubles that hampered his 2025/26 campaign were now behind him.
Makes return in England squad
Palmer returns to the England squad for international duty, having missed the World Cup after coach Thomas Tuchel did not select him ahead of the summer.
Analysis: Palmer is enjoying a fine start to the season with Chelsea, providing an assist in the recent draw with Hull City while creating three chances and taking three shots in that match, part of a run that has seen him produce at least three shots and one chance created in each of the opening four matches, totaling 15 shots and nine chances created. Palmer now has two goals and two assists in the Premier League this campaign and this call up now marks a significant return to the international fold after that difficult omission from the World Cup squad.
Sets up equalizer
Palmer assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Hull City.
Analysis: Palmer dragged Chelsea back into the game against Hull with the assist for the equaliser and was at the heart of their attacking play throughout. Six of the 12 shots his side managed came through him, three taken and three created, and he was denied when his pass sent Morgan Rogers clean through in the 84th minute, only for the goalkeeper to deny him. The forward is enjoying a fine start to the campaign in a side set up to attack, with at least three shots and at least one chance created in each of the opening four matches, bringing him to 15 shots and nine chances created.
Records two shots on target
Palmer recorded three shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 defeat versus Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 45th minute.
Analysis: Palmer remained active despite failing to contribute to a goal Sunday, putting two of his three attempts on target while creating one chance. The attacker has started the season strongly with two goals and one assist across three Premier League appearances, while attempting at least three shots in each match. His consistent shooting volume and involvement in Chelsea's attacking play should continue to provide opportunities for further production.
Scores in win over Brighton
Palmer scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 4-3 win versus Brighton.
Analysis: Palmer restored Chelsea's two-goal advantage with a strike from outside the box after earlier missing a close-range opportunity. He remained heavily involved in the final third, finishing with four shots and two chances created across 90 minutes. Palmer has now produced two goals and one assist through two Premier League appearances this season, maintaining his role as one of Chelsea's primary attacking threats and offering consistent production through both his finishing and creativity.
Shines in season opener
Palmer scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and three chances created in Monday's 3-2 win versus Fulham.
Analysis: Palmer, who is coming off a down season, began the 2026-27 campaign on fire. 31 seconds into the season opener he assisted Joao Pedro's goal, then Pedro returned the favor in the 49th minute with an assist on Palmer's goal. Palmer deserved both of those goal contributions and easily could have had more thanks to his five shots and three chances created. The Chelsea attack looked potent and in sync despite it being the first competitive match of the season, and Palmer was at the center of it. He was subbed off the pitch in the 83rd minute for Estevao.
Makes starting XI in friendly
Palmer (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Saturday's friendly against AC Milan, according to the club.
Analysis: Palmer had been left out entirely for the earlier friendly against Juventus with a minor discomfort, a precautionary absence new coach Xabi Alonso said the club did not want to risk. His return to the starting XI confirms that issue has cleared up, positioning him to build match fitness after a frustrating, injury disrupted season that saw him finish with 10 league goals and one assist across 26 appearances.
Rested as precaution
Palmer (undisclosed) is left out entirely for Wednesday's friendly against Juventus after training individually Tuesday with a minor issue, with the club opting not to take any risks, according to the club.
Analysis: Palmer's absence is described as precautionary rather than a serious setback, coming after a frustrating, injury disrupted season by his lofty standards, one that saw him miss a big chunk of the first half of the campaign and finish with 10 league goals and one assist in 26 appearances. His creativity, penalty taking and eye for goal make him one of Chelsea's most important attacking pieces, whether deployed centrally as a number 10 or out wide, and he is hoped to be available for the club's next match against AC Milan. Palmer is expected to be reassessed as the club continues preseason preparations.
Training individually Tuesday
Palmer trained individually Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong, making him a potential doubt for the match, Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport reports.
Analysis: Palmer was hampered by a string of different injuries throughout last season, limiting him to just 26 league appearances, and while he did get a rare fully rested summer after being left out of the World Cup squad, seeing him already picking up problems in pre-season is not the ideal sign heading into the new campaign. He was pictured doing individual work at Chelsea's open training session Tuesday, and while the club has not disclosed any details about the issue, this kind of solo work early in pre-season is often precautionary and manageable rather than alarming. Even so, it leaves him a doubt for Wednesday's friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong
Feeling good in preseason
Palmer is feeling good ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, cleared from his last season injury and motivated to play under new manager Xabi Alonso, he said to the media, according to Simon Johnson of The Athletic. "I did not really know how to deal with it (his injury last season). The first few months, with me being injured, I just wanted to go out and play. Which I probably should not have done. Obviously I could not play how I wanted to play. It was a bad season personally with injuries and stuff but I feel good now. The seven weeks obviously helped. I am ready to go again."
Analysis: Palmer finished last season with 10 league goals, tying for second on the team despite missing a significant chunk of the campaign through injury and enduring a frustrating stretch without a goal contribution that ultimately cost him a spot on England's World Cup roster. His recent comments reflect a player determined to put a difficult year behind him, and his clean bill of health entering preseason under the new coaching staff positions him for a bounce back season for Chelsea.
Scores in finale
Palmer scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-1 loss against Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 101st minute.
Analysis: Palmer beat the goalkeeper with a low shot from outside the box at the near post during the 56th minute in the week 38 defeat. The goal ended a frustrating 12-game stretch without a goal or assist for the attacking midfielder. Despite missing a significant portion of the first half of the season through injury, he finished with 10 league goals, tying Enzo Fernandez for second on the team in that category. Still, a disappointing end to the campaign ultimately cost him his place in England's World Cup roster.
Won't be at World Cup
Palmer was not included in England's World Cup squad and will now look to end a season heavily disrupted by injuries on a positive note in Sunday's finale against Sunderland.
Analysis: Palmer's omission from the national team is a notable development for a player who had been one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League before injuries repeatedly interrupted his campaign. The Chelsea playmaker contirbuted 10 goals, three assists, 72 shots and 32 chances created across 32 appearances (28 starts) in all competitions this season, and will be motivated to produce a strong performance against Sunderland as he looks ahead to a fully fit and uninterrupted 2026/27 campaign.
Quiet during FA Cup final
Palmer registered two crosses in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Palmer was mainly held in check by his former club Saturday, as the attacker only recorded two crosses in the attack to go along with a tackle. This continues a quiet second half of the season for him, as his last goal came March 4. This is not a good sign for the attacker with the England national team selection for the World Cup around the corner, although he has still recorded nine goals and one assist in 24 appearances (22 starts) this season.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare