Palmer doubtful to face Wolves with ankle injury

Cole Palmer is doubtful for Chelsea’s clash against Wolves on Monday, head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed.

The England forward is the Blues’ top scorer in the Premier League this season with 14 goals, a tally only bettered by Mohamed Salah (18), Erling Haaland (16) and Alexander Isak (15).

Palmer has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge since his arrival from Manchester City in September 2023, having been directly involved in 53 goals (scored 36, assisted 17) in his first 50 Premier League starts for Chelsea.

However, Maresca may have to cope without the 22-year-old, who was absent from training on Friday after taking a knock to his ankle during Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill were among the other players not to take part in the session.

“We were without Cole today, he was not in the session,” Maresca told reporters during his pre-match press conference. “Levi was also not in the session today, Enzo wasn’t in the session today, Romeo wasn’t in the session today.

“So, we have three or four players who are doubts for Monday’s game because of the last game.

“Cole had a kick in the ankle in the first half [against Bournemouth]. He didn’t train today, and we don’t know if he’ll train tomorrow or in two days. It’s the same situation with Enzo, Levi and Romeo.”

Palmer’s 20 goal contributions this season have made him the first Chelsea player to register 20 or more in successive Premier League seasons since Eden Hazard did so three times in a row between 2012-13 and 2014-15.

While his availability to face Wolves is uncertain, Trevoh Chalobah is back in contention having been recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace earlier this week.

“It was quite an easy process [to recall Chalobah],” Maresca added. “We have a few injuries, as you know, so we were looking for a solution.

“We thought the best solution would be to call back Trevoh. Firstly, because we know him very well and, secondly, because we know he can help us. So, we went for that solution.”

Monday night football.pic.twitter.com/HChiYoo5aH

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 17, 2025