Chelsea have been handed a massive fitness boost ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Napoli, with Cole Palmer confirmed in the travelling squad for Wednesday’s decisive league phase finale in Italy.
The Blues must win at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium to guarantee a place in the knockout rounds and avoid an unwanted two-legged playoff next month. However, victory alone may not be enough – Chelsea are one of eight sides locked on 13 points heading into the final matchday, meaning goal difference could prove decisive.
Head coach Liam Rosenior received welcome news on the injury front as Palmer, who has been plagued by muscular problems this season, returned to full training on Monday and Tuesday at Cobham before boarding the flight to Naples. The 23-year-old England international missed the previous two fixtures against Pafos and Crystal Palace with a thigh issue.
Rosenior has repeatedly described Palmer as indispensable and moved quickly to shut down recent speculation linking the forward with a shock move away from Stamford Bridge – including reports of interest from Manchester United.
“Yes and yes,” Rosenior said when asked if Palmer is untouchable and happy at Chelsea. “Cole is an incredible player. I’m not surprised at the timing – a new manager comes in and a player is unsettled. It’s not true.
“There’s no reason for an assurance. It’s so unrealistic. It’s come from nowhere. There is no need to have the conversation. Cole is happy.
“You can’t stop speculation but some speculation is so far from the truth, there is no point having a conversation about it.”
The former Hull City boss’s firm stance comes amid claims Palmer has grown unsettled in the capital and could be open to a return to the north west, despite his Manchester City roots.
Chelsea’s 24-man travelling squad for Napoli:
Goalkeepers: Filip Jorgensen, Robert Sanchez, Freddy Bernal, Max Merrick
Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Jorrel Hato, Reece James
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos
Forwards: Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrique George, Jamie Gittens, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian
Chelsea touch down in Naples knowing nothing less than three points will give them complete control of their fate in Europe’s premier competition.