Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has described midfielder Cole Palmer as "world-class" and predicts a great season for the 24-year-old. Palmer, who scored 10 league goals last season, suffered injuries during the 2025/26 campaign and missed selection for England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Alonso’s Confidence in Palmer

Alonso told chelseafc.com that Palmer is "determined to enjoy his football" and wants to be fit, healthy and well connected with his teammates. "If we have this Cole and we are able to reach him and he feels that flow in the game and he connects well with the players, I’m sure that his level is top-class, world-class I would say, and that he will have a great season," the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich manager said.

The former manager also highlighted the lessons Palmer has learned from his injury struggles. "Sometimes you need to go through a difficult moment with an injury or whatever to learn from that," Alonso added. "Cole has gone through a difficult period with the injury, and now he’s working really hard to have the prevention not to have to feel those symptoms. Since the first day, he’s been working really hard to avoid that."

Injury Challenges and Recovery

Palmer’s 2025/26 season was marred by a series of injuries that limited his appearances and prevented him from earning a place in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old has now had an extended summer of rest, a period Alonso believes will be beneficial for the Blues.

Alonso stressed the importance of a full recovery, noting that Palmer’s determination to bounce back is a key factor in his confidence. "He wants to be fit. He wants to feel healthy. He wants to have a good connection with the players around him," the manager said.

Season Kick-off

Chelsea will open the Premier League campaign with a West London Derby against Fulham tonight. The club’s focus on player fitness and the return of key talents like Palmer is expected to set a positive tone for the season. Alonso’s remarks underscore the club’s belief that Palmer’s resurgence will be a cornerstone of Chelsea’s ambitions in the coming months.

The 24-year-old’s determination to regain full match fitness and his proven goal-scoring record make him a pivotal figure as the Blues look to build momentum from the start of the campaign.