Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has issued a cryptic update on whether Cole Palmer will be fit enough to face Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener. The Blues star produced a goal-scoring display off the bench against Brentford following a spell on the sidelines and now his Italian head coach has spoken about his current fitness levels before taking on the German giants.
Palmer's niggling injury problem
Palmer has been out for two Chelsea games due to a groin injury but had an instant impact as a substitute in their 2-2 draw with Brentford in the Premier League last weekend. The Blues are being cautious with their talisman, with Maresca keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Wednesday's trip to Bayern in the Champions League.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat Maresca said on Palmer and Chelsea's injury list
He told reporters: "In every game, such as against Brentford, we try with our best XI. Game by game, you have to manage different problems. In the last game, Cole wasn’t 100 per cent fit to play 90 minutes and different players were out, such as Estevao [Willian], for instance. Tomorrow, we will put out our best XI for the game. Cole three days ago didn’t play from the start because he wasn’t able to do that, so we will see tomorrow."
Palmer's Chelsea importance cannot be overstated
Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023, no Blues player has scored more goals and added as many assists as Palmer (44 and 29). If they want to progress in this season's Champions League, the Blues will likely need to have the 23-year-old fit and firing, starting with their trip to Bayern.
Getty ImagesWhat is next for Palmer's Chelsea?
After this tough test away at Bayern, Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday against Manchester United at Old Trafford. They then begin their Carabao Cup campaign away to Lincoln City in the third round of the competition in a week's time.