Cole Palmer is one of England’s brightest young football stars, known for his creative flair, eye-catching goals, and playmaking ability. Since joining Chelsea FC in 2023, the attacking midfielder has quickly become a key figure in the team — but recurring fitness issues have impacted his playing time in the 2025-26 season.
Who Is Cole Palmer? Family & Dad
Cole Jermaine Palmer was born on 6 May 2002 in Wythenshawe, England. He grew up in Manchester and began his football journey at a very young age. Although public details about his father are relatively private, Palmer’s rise through youth football — including a long spell with Manchester City’s academy — was supported by his family and close circle as he developed into a professional footballer.
Age & Personal Info
-
Full Name: Cole Jermaine Palmer
-
Date of Birth: 6 May 2002
-
Age: 23 years old (as of January 2026)
-
Nationality: English
-
Birthplace: Wythenshawe, England
-
Height: 1.85 m
-
Position: Attacking midfielder / winger
Club & Shirt Number
Cole Palmer wears shirt number 10 for Chelsea FC, a number traditionally given to the team’s key creative player.
Why Is Cole Palmer Not Playing Today?
Current Injury Situation
Cole Palmer has been struggling with ongoing injury problems throughout the 2025-26 season — especially a persistent groin issue that has kept him sidelined on multiple occasions. Even when he returned to action, Chelsea and Palmer have been cautious about his minutes to avoid further setbacks.
Most recently, his return from a long-term groin injury was delayed after a freak accident at home where he fractured his toe — causing him to miss important fixtures, including Premier League and Champions League matches.
Recent Match Absence
If Cole Palmer is not playing today, it is likely because:
He is still being managed due to fitness concerns, especially his groin.
Chelsea’s coaching staff are taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating injuries.
A recent toe fracture from a home accident has delayed his full return to match-ready condition.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Palmer has been monitored carefully in training and that the club will only play him when he’s fully ready — indicating he may miss more games if the team deems it necessary.
Is Cole Palmer Injured Now?
Yes — Palmer is not fully fit right now. While he has returned to training and played sporadically, his fitness levels are still being managed to prevent re-injury. He himself has admitted that he’s “nowhere near 100 % in terms of fitness” and that his game time is being controlled to avoid another setback.
This conservative approach aims to get the most out of Palmer over the long season, but it also means he may miss matches even when physically training, particularly after heavy games or tight schedules.
Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cole Jermaine Palmer |
| Age | 23 (born 6 May 2002) |
| Club | Chelsea FC |
| Shirt Number | 10 |
| Position | Attacking midfielder / winger |
| Current Status | Fitness managed due to groin and recent toe injury |
| Reason Not Playing Today | Ongoing injury management and cautious squad rotation |
Final Thought
Cole Palmer remains one of England’s most exciting young talents, but his 2025-26 season has been hampered by injuries. Fans should expect him back in full stride once Chelsea and the player agree he’s sufficiently fit — but in the meantime, his absence from the lineup is a fitness-first decision rather than anything more serious.
Leave a Reply