Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer Reveals Chelsea Problem That Must Be Solved After Cole Palmer’s Return

Chelsea secured a hard-fought 2-0 win over Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, giving Liam Rosenior his first Premier League victory in over a month. While the scoreline suggested control, the Blues were far from at their best. Joao Pedro opened the scoring before Cole Palmer converted a penalty to seal the three points, ending Chelsea’s winless run in the league since December 13 against Everton.

For Rosenior, it was a relief more than a celebration. The Chelsea squad was missing key players such as Malo Gusto, Estevao Willian, and Palmer himself had only just returned from injury. Despite these absences, the team showed resilience, with Robert Sanchez delivering a confident performance in goal and the forwards capitalising on Brentford’s mistakes. The high press worked in patches, forcing errors that allowed Chelsea to secure the win.

Cole Palmer’s Return and Immediate Concerns

Cole Palmer’s appearance against Brentford was highly anticipated. He had missed the previous games against Fulham and Arsenal due to injury, and his return was seen as a boost for Chelsea. However, his performance raised immediate concerns. After converting his penalty, Palmer did not celebrate in his usual fashion and made a beeline for the tunnel at full-time.

Former England stars Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussed the situation on The Rest Is Football podcast. Lineker commented: “It looked like Cole Palmer was struggling with his groin again at the end?” Shearer agreed, adding: “He didn’t look happy. Even when he stuck his penalty away, I don’t know, he didn’t look happy.”

Lineker further highlighted the importance of the issue, noting: “Apparently, it was the same groin that has been causing him problems, so it might be getting to him a bit. There’s a World Cup coming up too, so it’s massively important that gets sorted out.”

Palmer’s Impact on Chelsea This Season

In total, Palmer has made 13 appearances across all competitions this season, 12 of which have come in the Premier League. He has scored five goals, demonstrating his potential to be a key contributor for the Blues. However, injuries, including a groin problem and a broken toe, have severely limited his involvement.

Interestingly, Chelsea’s record with Palmer in the squad has been underwhelming. In the 13 matches he has featured in, the Blues have won just twice, drawn six, and lost five. In contrast, in the 20 games without Palmer, Chelsea have won 14, drawn twice, and lost four. Saturday’s victory over Brentford marked only the second win Palmer has experienced this season.

A Blessing in Disguise?

Rosenior now faces a dilemma. With Palmer clearly struggling with fitness and Chelsea performing better in matches without him, the manager must decide how to integrate the young England star without compromising the team’s momentum. It is likely Palmer will miss the upcoming game against Pafos, allowing Chelsea to maintain the rhythm they have built without him.

While the Blues have shown flashes of promise under Rosenior, the team’s inconsistent form with Palmer in the squad underscores the need to carefully manage his workload. Chelsea are also chasing a crucial top-eight finish in the Champions League group stage, making it essential that the squad remains fit and focused for the remainder of the season.

What Chelsea Must Do Next

Managing Palmer’s fitness is now a priority. The club must strike a balance between utilising his talent and protecting him from injuries that could have long-term consequences, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. Rosenior’s approach in training and match selection will be key in ensuring Palmer is ready when the team needs him most.

Chelsea’s win over Brentford may have been modest in style, but it was a vital step for Rosenior and the squad. The challenge now lies in solving the Palmer issue while continuing to build consistency across the squad. With the right management and careful rotation, Chelsea could turn these fitness concerns into a long-term advantage, keeping key players fresh for the decisive fixtures ahead.