Cole Palmer’s recent groin issue is unlikely to be the result of any Club World Cup ‘hangover’ with Chelsea thought to be managing an existing issue with their talisman.

There was concern for the England international last Friday when he was forced to pull out of the starting XI shortly before kick-off ahead of the Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian replaced him in the team with Joao Pedro dropping into a deeper role as the Blues eased to a 5-1 victory.

Palmer was not pictured in training earlier this week although there has been hope he will be available again for this weekend’s west London derby with Fulham.

He was one of four Blues players to rack up more than 4,000 minutes of playing time alongside Marc Cucurella, Mo

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