PALMER FACES TESTING TIME

CHELSEA staff held a meeting yesterday to determine the next steps for Cole Palmer after the England international's latest injury blow.

- BY BOBBY VINCENT

Palmer, who missed wins against West Ham United and Fulham earlier in the season with a groin injury, limped off just 21 minutes into the Blues' 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday with a similar problem.

The 23-year-old had passed a late fitness test on the morning of the game, with Enzo Maresca hailing it a "fantastic effort" from his star player to take part at Old Trafford.

However, risking Palmer may come back to bite Chelsea, with the extent of his latest injury still not known.