Chelsea Football Club has been dealt a new blow with the delayed return of their star player, Cole Palmer. Just when it seemed like he was on the verge of making his comeback, this unexpected setback has left fans and team management concerned.
Palmer's absence from the field has been a significant loss for Chelsea this season. His ability to single-handedly decide games is an asset that the Blues have sorely missed. Despite finding some form recently, there are still questions about how well they will perform against top-tier teams such as Barcelona and Arsenal.
The hope was that Palmer would be back in time for these crucial matches. With their next game against Burnley followed by Barcelona and then Arsenal, reintroducing him into the squad could have provided a much-needed boost.
Importance of upcoming matches
The main aim was to get him ready in time to face Barcelona in an all-important Champions League game. After managing just seven points from their first four matches, Chelsea needs some points on board urgently. Their two wins so far have come against Ajax and Benfica who sit at the bottom and second-bottom respectively - not exactly confidence-boosting victories.
Fans were hoping for Palmer’s availability against Barca but unfortunately, it seems like that match might come too soon for him. This is certainly not what Chelsea fans wanted heading into such a critical period for the club. The results over these coming weeks could very well make or break their season both domestically and in Europe; having Palmer available would undoubtedly bolster their chances significantly.
However, it is paramount that he returns to full fitness before rejoining playtime on pitch again. If he requires additional weeks to recover fully, then those should be granted without hesitation.
Avoiding further injuries
Rushing him back into action could risk another injury, a scenario that Chelsea must avoid at all costs. One could argue that this is what happened earlier in the season when he was played thrice in a week immediately after returning from an injury, leading to him picking up another one.
While Palmer's absence is undoubtedly a setback for Chelsea, it's crucial that his return to the field isn't rushed. The focus should be on ensuring his full recovery so he can contribute effectively when he does return. This approach will not only benefit Palmer but also the team as they navigate through this challenging period.
