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Cole Palmer issues injury update after scoring hat-trick in Chelsea win vs Wolves | Football
Cole Palmer insists he is still not 100 per cent fit despite scoring a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has missed over two months of the season due to a groin injury and Liam Rosenior has stressed the need to manage the midfielder’s minutes since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer cut a frustrated figure in the aftermath of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, and the midfielder admits he has been unhappy due to his injury-hit campaign.
‘It felt good to score some goals and get three points,’ Palmer told BBC’s Match of the Day.
‘I don’t think [I’m 100 per cent fit] just yet. Obviously people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes but being injured the whole season is not ideal and when I’m not able to perform as I want to because I’ve been injured, and still dealing with the injury, but hopefully I can get over the injury soon by managing it.
‘I know what level I can provide when I feel 100% fit. Not being 100% fit isn’t ideal, I still feel like I can help the team but when I’m back to full fitness I feel like I can go to another level.’
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Palmer also praised Rosenior’s impact after he replaced Enzo Maresca as Chelsea’s head coach last month.
‘Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence,’ Palmer said.
‘Lets us be ourselves, play free. I’m sure when I’m back proper fit you’ll see the best of me. Him and all the staff give us all confidence on the training pitch, with his strategies, the way we play, I really like it.’
Palmer also explained his celebration against Wolves as he covered his ears after scoring Chelsea’s first goal.
‘Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don’t they? I don’t pay too much attention to it. You see things,’ Palmer said.
‘But I feel like I’ve come from a strong place anyway so I don’t pay attention to it.’
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