COLE PALMER was spotted limping after Chelsea’s draw with Arsenal.
The Blues fought back after falling behind to earn a point against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.
Gabriel Martinelli fired the visitors into the lead in the 60th minute before Pedro Neto levelled the match ten minutes later.
However, Chelsea’s biggest concern is Palmer’s immediate future.
The star playmaker was spotted limping after the match as he walked down the touchline.
The England international started the game despite concerns over his fitness.
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Manager Enzo Maresca made the decision to play Palmer after a session on Saturday.
He struggled against the Gunners as his heatmap showed his lack of impact.
Sky Sports even showed that between the 22nd and 37th minutes, he only touched the ball twice.
Pundit Gary Neville pointed out that Arsenal changed their shape with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli going narrower to stop him having any influence.
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He did manage the full 90 minutes against the North London outfit.
But now England fans are sweating on his fitness ahead of the upcoming international fixtures.
One posted: “Cole Palmer limping out after the game. Hopefully he’s fine for England.”
A second commented: “So if Palmer gets injured what happens?”
While Chelsea supporters are begging the talisman to rest up over the international break.
One wrote: “Would rather him stay here tbh.”
A second said: “We should make him withdraw from the England camp we need him.”
Another added: “He shouldn’t play for England.”
Palmer has had a good start to the season, hitting seven goals in 11 Premier League appearances.
However he was quiet against Arsenal with the heat maps below highlighting his struggles to get into the game in influential positions.
Maresca gave an update on Palmer’s fitness after the draw against Arsenal.
He said: “I don’t think we took any risks.
“For sure, he was a doubt until the end. His performances have been very good.
“In the first 10 minutes, we contact with him, from [Levi] Colwill to him, three or four times.
“Then they adjust and [Thomas] Partey was marking him man-to-man so it was difficult for Cole in that case. But overall, very happy with Cole’s performance.
“He is painful now but it doesn’t look something important.”
Should he be ruled out for England, then he would miss the Nations League trip to Greece.
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He would also miss the clash against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.
The Three Lions are currently second in their group behind Greece having won three of their four games.
Chelsea ratings vs Arsenal
Robert Sanchez – 6
Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.
Malo Gusto – 6
Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.
Levi Colwill – 6
Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.
Romeo Lavia – 6
A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.
Noni Madueke – 6
Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.
Cole Palmer – 6
Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.
Pedro Neto – 7
Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
