What fans noticed about Cole Palmer in the 93rd minute against Bayern is very scary

Chelsea have a Cole Palmer problem.

They can’t create anything without him on the pitch. The team can defend and control the ball (sometimes), but there’s nothing in attack unless Palmer is on the pitch making magic.

That’s fine when he’s fit, but the fact is that he’s not. He’s missed games already this season, skipped the international break with England and then was even rested against Brentford last weekend.

Of course, the team did nothing without him on the pitch, and had to summon him in the second half. He promptly scored and got his team back in the game. But it meant more minutes leading into tonight’s game against Bayern.

Palmer visibly suffering as minutes pile up

A Tweet about Cole Palmer’s groin injury.

A Tweet about Cole Palmer’s groin injury.

Palmer played all 96 minutes, and in the 93rd it looked like he had really aggravated his issue. He went all the way to the byline and tried to swing in a cross. The camera cut to him on his knees, wincing and holding his inner thigh where the problem is.

In the moments before the final whistle you could see him stepping slowly and awkwardly and massaging the affected part. It was a chilling sight for Blues fans who know their whole season basically rests on Palmer being available.

In 72 hours we’re playing against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Chelsea have a Palmer problem – and a Chelsea problem

This isn’t just a Palmer problem however – it’s also a Chelsea problem. Until they can attack effectively without him, they are going to be forced to use him constantly, and that’s just going to make this injury (and all his future injuries) that much worse.

The club have known all summer they were going into a hectic season – who is their Palmer alternative? Is Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton really the best they could do?