It was a good start for new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso in his debut, but there was some concern as Cole Palmer seemed to be dealing with an injury during the final minutes against Fulham. Palmer was eventually subbed out of the match, prompting questions about the star’s status despite the win.
Palmer is coming off a season derailed by injuries which ended with the star being left off England’s World Cup roster. Chelsea fans need not fret as Alonso revealed that Palmer and some of the other veteran players are simply getting used to playing extended minutes again.
During a postgame media session with Sky Sports, Alonso hinted that Palmer was playing through cramping at the end of the game. Palmer does not appear to be dealing with a new injury despite there being plenty of concerns about his status.
“I have really enjoyed his performance,” Alonso told Sky Sports regarding Palmer following Chelsea’s 3-2 victory against Fulham. “He has played with responsibility, with maturity, but as well with freedom.
“So that’s very important for me that we get the best from Cole when he takes this role, but he feels the flow where he has to be involved in different positions. So happy for him. (If) we want to have a good team, we need a great Cole.”
Morgan Rogers on Chelsea Teammate Cole Palmer: ‘Best One on the Pitch by a Mile’
After an up and down 2025 campaign, Palmer looked to be in top form against Fulham. Longtime friend and new Chelsea teammate Morgan Rogers labeled Palmer as the “best one on the pitch by a mile.”
Rogers and Palmer both scored in Chelsea’s Premier League opener.
“Yeah, well, everyone knows how good he is,” Rogers said of Palmer during his August 24, media session. “Obviously, he had a difficult year with injuries and stuff last year.
“You can see in his eyes in preseason and in training that he’s ready this year and he’s ready to prove people wrong. You saw that with that performance, best one on the pitch by a mile, and that’s what he does.”
Chelsea Star Cole Palmer on His Status: ‘Did You Not Watch the Game?’
Following the win, Palmer indicated that his injury woes are behind him. Palmer pointed to his play against Fulham as proof that his game is back to being in top form.
“Did you not watch the game?” Palmer joked when asked about being ready for the season. “No, I’m only joking. No, I’m ready. As you said, difficult season with injuries and whatnot, but through the summer and since I’ve been back, I’ve worked extra hard.
“And I’ve seen my injuries that I had to prevent them from happening again. And when I work hard day in, day out, then I know the talent I’ve got, so I can put in performances like that.”
Chelsea takes on Brighton on Sunday, August 30, as The Blues hope to add another three points to the EPL standings. It is early but Alonso and Palmer appear to be getting along just fine together in London.
Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso Announces Cole Palmer Injury News Minutes After Win vs. Fulham