At the time the final whistle sounded after Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Brentford, new captain Liam Rosenior came to encourage Cole Palmer who was quite tired. The English striker then listened attentively and walked into the tunnel.
When taking over Chelsea from Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior inherited quite a few positive things, one of which is expected to be Cole Palmer, the number 1 star. However, Palmer's condition and form are not good after continuous injuries in recent times.
The match against Brentford was Palmer's 13th appearance since the beginning of the season in the Premier League, he has also only had 4 full 90-minute matches. Palmer's only impression in this match was a successful penalty kick to increase the score to 2-0. After scoring, he also did not perform the familiar celebration even though his teammates actively shared the joy. After the final whistle sounded, Palmer sat down on the field and it was not until his teammates came to support him that he stood up and went to the wings.
Palmer has been out for quite a long time due to injury, from September - December 2025. Therefore, the time and intensity of the English striker will be managed very carefully. The reason is that not only Chelsea in the race at the end of the season really needs Palmer, but the England team also needs this gem to compete at the 2026 World Cup.
Palmer is frustrated because his fitness and form have not reached their peak. Rosenior's task is to find a way to help this young star soon regain his familiar image. If Palmer returns to his peak form, Rosenior can be more reassured in the first journey that is predicted to be very difficult for Chelsea.
If you watch the last 15 minutes of the match and notice how he presses, the runs for teammates, I think Palmer played excellently.
Cole Palmer and Reece James were once unable to train due to many injuries. I couldn't let them play in the match against Arsenal. However, I am very proud of Palmer and James for trying their best, which shows professionalism. If there are more training matches, they will soon return" - Rosenior shared.
Right after taking office at Chelsea, Rosenior looked at the schedule of having to play 8 matches in 3 weeks and exclaimed that it would be crazy if he did not risk any players at the moment. From now until FIFA Days in March, Chelsea's schedule will not improve. They start with the match against Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday and 8 more matches before facing Hull City in the FA Cup on February 13. If The Blues have to play the Champions League play-off to compete for a spot in the round of 16, they may not have time to rest because almost every week they have to play 1 match in the middle of the week.
Palmer needs to play more to regain his form soon, but this will be a paradox when the intensity of play is too dense and Rosenior must protect these million-dollar feet. Perhaps Palmer is also aware of having to ensure form to be sure to be named in Thomas Tuchel's squad aimed at the 2026 World Cup.
Looking at how Palmer is playing, no Chelsea fans criticize because they understand what their star is going through. However, fans' sympathy does not mean achievements and how to use Palmer from now until the end of the season will be an extremely difficult problem for Rosenior.
