Rosenior insists Palmer is happy at Chelsea

Liam Rosenior insists Cole Palmer is happy at Chelsea and a big part of the club’s future.

Palmer was visibly upset during the 2-0 win over Brentford last week and there has been speculation his future might lay away from Stamford Bridge after a difficult season that has seen him miss several games through injury.

The England international was also left out of the squad for the Champions League tie with Pafos on Wednesday – but is in line to return to face Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Head coach Rosenior said: “I have had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here.

“He is a huge part of our plans and is an outstanding player. Every player goes through difficulties with injury but that is no reflection on his quality. My job is to get him in a place where he can perform at the level he wants to.

“There was frustration from him during the Brentford game, not because he wasn’t happy but because he couldn’t perform to the level he wanted to because he was in pain.

“He is a great kid but we have to look after him and that is why he hasn’t been involved in the last game.

“Cole is in a good place and trained today and we will assess him.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Dario Essugo has been sidelined by another injury.