Rosenior gives Palmer injury update as Chelsea star is absent from squad AGAIN

Cole Palmer has 'a little niggle' that is causing him to miss his second Chelsea game in a row in what has been an injury-plagued season.

Palmer was a notable absentee from the Blues squad that took on Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, having also missed his side's Champions League win over Pafos in midweek.

The Blues star has been judged on a game-by-game basis for a lot of this season, having also missed a number of games this season with a groin issue.

'Unfortunately for us, Cole is not quite right for this one,' Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior told Sky Sports ahead of Sunday's game. 'I've said before that we want to make sure that every player is at 100 per cent and there is no use risking players in January for what we want to achieve.

'He has a little niggle and is not quite at 100 per cent but he's got a chance for Wednesday. Hopefully he is back for then.'

Rosenior said in the week that Palmer suffering with tightness in his thigh.

The Blues boss had said he was hopeful that Palmer would 'be absolutely fine for Sunday' but that hasn't worked out.

Enzo Fernandez started in the No10 position for the hosts on Wednesday with Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho either side of him on the flanks.

On Sunday, Estevao got the nod on the right, with Neto again selected on the left.

Palmer will be desperate to get back consistently for the west London club after a season so far beset with injury.

A groin issue kept him out for 12 games earlier in the campaign and he then suffered a broken toe in November.

The latest issue is his thigh tightness and Palmer will be hoping to shake it off and stay healthy until the end of the season to make his case for and England spot.

The No 10 role is hugely competitive for Thomas Tuchel's side ahead of the World Cup, with Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden all strong options to start in the USA.

Chelsea won their first game under Rosenior against Brentford last weekend and will be looking to back that up at Selhurst Park on Sunday.