Why isn’t Cole Palmer playing for Chelsea against Arsenal?

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is absent from the starting XI to face Arsenal, a major blow for the Blues as they look to continue a promising run of recent form.

On Monday Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Palmer had been struggling with illness and had been forced to miss training ahead of the trip to Arsenal.

“Today, I don’t believe he can be involved. Even if he is good tomorrow, maybe he is not in a condition to play. We hope he can recover from this situation and be involved with the team,” Pochettino told reporters on Monday.

Palmer has been a shining light in an otherwise dark season for Chelsea, one that has seen many big-money signings fail to perform in West London. The young Englishman, however, has taken the opportunity with both hands and scored 20 Premier League goals so far, leaving him level with former teammate Erling Haaland at the top of the scoring charts.

What illness does Cole Palmer have?

The former Manchester City starlet has enjoyed a historic breakthrough season with Chelsea, quickly becoming the heartbeat of this young team. Pochettino has not given any further details of the nature of Cole Palmer’s illness but he was able to play the full 90 minutes against his former club on Saturday, suggesting that the condition is not too serious.

He has made 27 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, contributing 20 goals and nine assists. He has also proved himself to be a versatile attacking force, playing as a right winger, attacking midfielder and even as a centre forward for the underperforming Blues.

“It is a good challenge in case Palmer is not available,” Pochettino said, rallying his team ahead of the Arsenal game. “It’s a good challenge for the teammates. If I am a teammate of Cole Palmer in his position or a similar position, I am going to be motivated to go there tomorrow and show this is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club.”