Chelsea beat Paphos 1-0 in the penultimate group game of the Champions League, but Cole Palmer was not in the match-day squad, raising fears of another injury setback.
Cole Palmer was absent from Wednesday night’s matchday squad (Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media)
Cole Palmer was absent from Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Paphos on Wednesday night due to a thigh strain, but Liam Rosenior insists he will be “okay” for the weekend.
The Blues’ talisman has suffered a groin problem this term and was left out of the squad for the Champions League game against the Cypriot minnows. Rosenior could still name a strong team to face Paphos. He thanked Moises Caicedo for keeping Chelsea’s face at the end of the second half.
Caicedo came on as a substitute in the 77th minute and headed in the only goal of the match, giving the hosts the upper hand as expected.
However, Enzo Fernandes’ header in the first half did not result in a goal. In the end, Caicedo’s diving header was enough to keep Chelsea’s hopes of progressing into the last eight alive.
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Palmer joined Chelsea’s scoring record at the weekend, scoring from the penalty spot in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Brentford. His calm demeanor in front of goal was not on display against Paphos and his omission from the team sheet sparked concerns that the former Manchester City player had suffered another injury setback.
But Rosenior, who enjoyed a successful first Champions League appearance as Chelsea manager, dismissed such concerns, insisting Palmer’s absence was purely precautionary and that he would be back for Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.
Moises Caicedo spared Chelsea’s blushes with a late goal against Paphos (Image: Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images)
“Cole felt a bit of tightness in his thigh,” he said just before kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
“He just missed out, but he should be absolutely fine on Sunday. I have to manage the team in the best way possible and be in good condition throughout the season, playing a huge number of games in a short period of time.”
Chelsea finished the matchweek in a coveted 8th place and will need to beat Napoli in their final group game to avoid a two-game play-off.
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