COLE PALMER has opened up on the injury hell that has severely restricted him for Chelsea and England this season.
The 23-year-old has missed a total of 25 games this season with a few injuries, but notably a recurring groin problem.
Chelsea‘s star playmaker captained the Blues during their 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final thumping of League One Port Vale and admitted he relished not only wearing the armband, but feeling himself again.
Palmer said: “[It feels] good, it was a long time coming but finally [laughs], it was a proud moment being captain and enjoyed it.
“I feel good, feel like I’ve turned a corner, I can finally shoot again and do everything now, so just about kicking on and performing.”
The fact that Palmer couldn’t even shoot properly when he has been able to play this season is a pretty good indicator as to why his form has not reached the heights it did last term.
Palmer has 10 goals in all competitions this season, but he scored 25 in his first season at Stamford Bridge and 18 last year.
Boss Liam Rosenior made a point of resting Palmer when he arrived at the club to try and help the former Manchester City man get back to his best.
On Saturday, Rosenior named Palmer his skipper for the first time and explained why he believes that is the next step for the England international.
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“I think it’s a natural step for Cole where he is in his career.
“He shows leadership. You have different types of leadership. You have players who talk, who organise.
“What Cole does and where he leads is he’s so brave and he’ll take the ball on the pitch.
“And if he makes a mistake, he’ll take the ball and be positive again. That reflects what I want in this team. I felt Cole led the team magnificently in the game today.”
Palmer will be hoping to have an injury-free run until the end of the season with Chelsea battling to qualify for the Champions League next season.
The west-London club is currently sixth in the Premier League table just one point off fifth place, which will likely command a Champions League place next season.
Palmer also has the World Cup to get ready for. He did feature in England‘s most recent friendlies at the end of March and started in the 1-0 defeat to Japan.
