Why Is Cole Palmer Not Playing Tonight for Chelsea vs. Arsenal in the EFL Cup?

Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Why Is Cole Palmer Not Playing Tonight for Chelsea vs. Arsenal in the EFL Cup?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 4:19 PM ET

Chelsea star Cole Palmer wasn't risked by head coach Liam Rosenior in Wednesday's Carabao Cup semifinal first leg against rivals Arsenal.

"I've had a really good in-depth conversation with Cole today," Rosenior told reporters ahead of Wednesday's match. "I've had a really good in-depth conversation with the medical team. We're at a stage of the season where we've got another eight games in three weeks. So it would be crazy for me to risk any player in this phase of the season."

Blues Need Key Man Palmer To Return To Full Fitness

Cole Palmer of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Chelsea at Vitality Stadium on December 06, 2025, in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Palmer has struggled to regain his fitness due to a groin injury. He has been limited to 12 appearances across all competitions this season.

The 23-year-old England international missed nearly three months of action. He has only played a full 90 minutes once since the start of December.

"Cole is a special talent, as is Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Estevao," Rosenior said. "My job is to get to know him, to connect with him, to understand what gets the best out of him and that takes time."

Chelsea will need to continue to manage his health and minutes carefully until he returns to full fitness.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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