Why Is Cole Palmer Not Playing Tonight for Chelsea vs Crystal Palace?

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Why Is Cole Palmer Not Playing Tonight for Chelsea vs Crystal Palace?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 9:45 AM ET

Chelsea is playing against Crystal Palace in the Premier League today at Selhurst Park. The Chelsea team is missing multiple players in the squad ahead of this matchup.

One of the players who is missing is Cole Palmer, who continues to be inconsistent with gametime for the Blues this season.

Palmer played in Chelsea's previous Premier League match against Brentford last weekend at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won the match 2-0, and Palmer scored the second Chelsea goal through a penalty kick late in the second half.

Cole Palmer of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Palmer then missed Chelsea's Champions League match against Pafos FC during the week, where Chelsea won 1-0 with a goal from Moises Caicedo.

Palmer wasn't in the squad, and once again, the English star is not part of the Chelsea squad for today's game against Crystal Palace.

Liam Rosenior on Cole Palmer's Absence

Before the Crystal Palace vs Chelsea match, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior gave a brief explanation for Palmer's absence from the squad again.

Rosenior said, "Unfortunately for us, Cole's not quite right for this one [vs Crystal Palace]. I've said before in press conferences, we want to make sure every player is at 100%. He's got a little niggle in his thigh."

Chelsea's next game will be against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday, and the Chelsea manager is hopeful that Palmer will return for that match, which is the last matchday of the Champions League in league format.

Rosenior said, "He's [Cole Palmer] got a chance for Wednesday [vs Napoli]. Let's hope he's back for then."

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

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