Cole Palmer is back in the Chelsea starting lineup to face Everton in the Premier League, despite concerns about his groin injury.
He missed over two months after getting injured against Manchester United in September, and his return was delayed further by a toe injury in November.
The 23-year-old came off the bench in last Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to Leeds United and started against Bournemouth on Saturday, playing for 57 minutes.
Palmer was not included in the squad for Chelsea’s recent Champions League match against Atalanta, which they lost 2-1, leading to worries about his fitness.
In his pre-match briefing on Friday, Enzo Maresca expressed uncertainty about Palmer’s condition.
“It’s the groin,” said Maresca. “We hope it’s not something that will bother him all season, but we take it day by day. Some days he feels better; other days not so much.
“For example, he was completely out of sorts after Leeds but played half an hour. After Bournemouth, he felt fine for an hour. It varies day by day.”
Despite these concerns, the Italian manager has decided to have Palmer start against Everton, easing fears of possible surgery for his ongoing issue.
Here’s how the Blues line-up! 🔵#CFC | #CHEEVE pic.twitter.com/DduMC7zTk4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 13, 2025
Read – Maresca says Chelsea slump in form ‘normal’
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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