Nowhere near 100 per cent: Chelsea star Cole Palmer addresses fitness status

The forward recently returned from a long-term injury.

Cole Palmer, who scored for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, acknowledges that he is still “nowhere near 100% in terms of fitness.” The Blues playmaker’s 2025–26 season has been marred by injuries, although he helped Enzo Maresca’s team defeat Everton 2-0.

Cole Palmer is said to need “constant, careful attention” after overcoming difficult injuries this season. Before being pulled out of a match against Manchester United in late September, he missed two Chelsea games in August. It was getting harder for the player to get rid of a recurrent groin issue.

Moreover, the 23-year-old suffered a fractured toe in an unfortunate house accident just as he was getting ready to resume his training. On December 3, he finally made a comeback in the loss at Leeds United.

Since then, the Blues have played in two more games. In the victory over Everton, he scored his first-ever goal since his return from an injury.

Cole Palmer issues fitness update

Palmer stated, “I didn’t want to rush back too soon and then get injured again, and I’m still managing it, so it’s just about getting better every day,” regarding his gradual return to Premier League play while still missing full match sharpness.

“I enjoyed being back out there, and I’m still nowhere near 100 per cent in terms of fitness and sharpness, but I’m getting there and hopefully I’ll be there soon. I don’t want to do too much too soon but I’m getting there.”

For the foreseeable future, Chelsea will be hopeful that their magical No. 10 will avoid the treatment table. They are preparing for a Carabao Cup quarterfinal match against Cardiff City on Tuesday, in addition to Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup matches.

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