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Xabi Alonso speaks out on fitness concerns over 'world-class' Chelsea star
Aug 23 2026 16:48 · By Phil Haigh · 25 Reads
Xabi Alonso gets his first Chelsea campaign underway on Monday (Picture: Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso believes Cole Palmer has put his injury worries behind him and is a world-class player when at his best.
The 24-year-old was hampered by injury problems last season, most notably a groin issue which he had to manage.
Palmer was limited to 26 Premier League appearances as a result, scoring 10 goals, but missing out on England’s World Cup squad at the end of the season.
New manager Alonso is hoping the creative force can return to his best form this season and reckons he is in the physical condition to do so.
‘Yes,’ Alonso said on whether Palmer’s injury problems are behind him. ‘I think that sometimes you need to go through a difficult moment with an injury or whatever to learn from that.
‘I think that 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.’
Cole Palmer has been in pre-season action for Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images)
Chelsea get their season underway on Monday night at Fulham, where Palmer is expected to line up alongside summer signing Morgan Rogers behind Joao Pedro.
Alonso has high hopes of the former Manchester City star and has been impressed by his attitude.
‘Cole is determined to enjoy his football,’ said the former midfielder.