Cole Palmer is part of the Chelsea squad that has travelled to Naples for Wednesday night’s pivotal Champions League meeting with Napoli.
The Blues head into the final matchday of the league phase needing a win in Italy to secure progress and, crucially, avoid a two-legged playoff next month.
Chelsea’s situation is not entirely in their own hands, with the final standings likely to be shaped by goal difference and results elsewhere among a cluster of teams sitting on 13 points.
Palmer’s involvement is a major boost for head coach Liam Rosenior after the 23-year-old missed the last two matches against Pafos and Crystal Palace with a thigh issue.
The England international has dealt with muscular problems across the season, leaving Chelsea cautious with his minutes during congested periods, as reported by InterMiami365.
Palmer trained on both Monday and Tuesday at Cobham, and he was among the players on the plane to Italy after completing the sessions without an obvious setback.
Chelsea believe his availability offers a significant lift ahead of a night where control of midfield and quick decision-making in the final third will be essential.
While victory at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium would strengthen Chelsea’s case, Rosenior acknowledged the wider picture, with goal difference expected to define multiple qualification places.
Chelsea are one of eight sides level on 13 points going into the last round of fixtures, leaving fine margins likely to decide who goes straight through and who faces extra games.
That adds pressure to deliver not only a win, but a performance that keeps the team’s overall numbers competitive if rival results go against them.
Rosenior also used his pre-match media duties to shut down speculation linking Palmer with a shock move to Manchester United.
He said: “Yes and yes. 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 comments arrive amid claims Palmer is unsettled in London and considering a return to the North West, despite having spent key development years on Manchester City’s books.
Chelsea’s travelling group includes goalkeepers Filip Jorgensen, Robert Sanchez, Freddy Bernal and Max Merrick.
Defensive options listed are Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Jorrel Hato and Reece James.
Midfielders named are Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos, as Chelsea prepare for a high-stakes night in Naples.
Forwards in the squad include Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrique George, Jamie Gittens, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian.
Chelsea will now wait on final fitness checks before settling on a starting XI that can meet the demands of a must-win European fixture.
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