Cole Palmer has returned to the Chelsea starting lineup to face Everton in the Premier League amid concerns over his groin injury.
The playmaker missed over two months of action after sustaining the issue against Manchester United in September. His return was further delayed by a freak toe injury in November.
The 23-year-old made his return off the bench during last Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road before starting against Bournemouth on Saturday. He featured for 57 minutes before being taken.
Palmer was subsequently left out of the squad entirely for the midweek trip to Bergamo to face Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League, which Chelsea lost 2-1, raising concerns over his fitness.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Enzo Maresca admitted he had difficulty in making sense of the former Manchester City player’s condition.
“It’s the groin,” said the Blues boss. “Hopefully not something to manage all season, but it’s day by day. Some days he’s better, some days worse.
“For instance, after Leeds he was completely bad the day after and played half an hour. After Bournemouth he was okay and played an hour. There’s not any sense to it, it’s how he feels day by day.”
However, the Italian has given Palmer the nod to face Everton from the off on Saturday, assuaging fears that he may need surgery to correct the issue that has been plaguing him this season.
Here's how the Blues line-up! 🔵#CFC | #CHEEVE pic.twitter.com/DduMC7zTk4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 13, 2025
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Cole Palmer as Chelsea starting lineup vs Everton named
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, W Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, Fernandez, James, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Joao Pedro
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Hato, Acheampong, Santos, Gittens, Estevao, Guiu
Everton XI: Pickford, O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish, Barry
Subs: Travers, Patterson, Aznou, Iroegbunam, Campbell, Alcaraz, Dibling, McNeil, Beto
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