A COLE LOT BETTER

Classy Palmer gives Chelsea the X-factor but heavy workload a worry for Maresca

- BY IAN BAKER

EVERYONE knows how good Cole Palmer is - the challenge now is to make sure he stays fit.

The 23-year-old missed the last month with a groin problem but proved at Brentford that he has the X-factor few other players possess.

Chelsea had been off colour in this west London derby but five minutes after his 56th-minute introduction he had not only scored but completely changed the mood.

And although Enzo Maresca’s men ultimately dropped two points after conceding in stoppage time, this was another statement performance from their talisman.

A fit Palmer could lead Chelsea to more trophies and maybe even help England end dozens of years of hurt.

Yet his recent injury - missing two games for the Blues and two for his country - may be a symptom of a nonstop schedule.

Palmer starred at Euro 2024 last summer and then played a pivotal role in Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup triumph in July.

No wonder his fitness offers something of a dilemma for Maresca.