13 October 2023 , 06:33
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Cole Palmer could miss Chelsea's upcoming game against Arsenal after suffering a thigh injury in England Under-21s' 9-1 win against Serbia on Thursday.
Palmer, 21, captained the Young Lions in their Euros qualifier at the City Ground but was forced to come off during the second half after suffering a dead leg. England U21 boss Lee Carsley insists he "will not be taking any chances" over the winger's fitness.
Carsley's side are back in action on Monday when they take on Ukraine in another Euros qualifier in Slovakia. Mauricio Pochettino will hope Palmer's injury isn't too bad, with the former Manchester City talent playing a key role in Chelsea's recent revival.
Palmer has helped the Blues win three consecutive games in all competitions and scored in their recent 4-1 win at Burnley. Chelsea's next Premier League game is against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, with the Gunners pushing for the title.
Chelsea fans were worried to see Palmer still limping after Thursday's game. Carsley confirmed the injury was a dead leg and told reporters: "There are a few bumps and bruises and we will monitor Cole, but we will not be taking any chances."
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England produced a dominant display in Nottingham, but they started poorly when Vladimir Lucic scored a surprise opener for Serbia. The European champions responded with goals from Jaden Philogene, Liam Delap and Harvey Elliott before the break.
Then came a remarkable result for the hosts. Philogene and Elliott completed their braces, while Palmer's Chelsea team-mate Noni Madueke also bagged two goals. There was also time for an own goal from Luka Subotic and a late Jonathan Rowe strike.
Palmer didn't finish Thursday's game (Getty Images)Do you think Chelsea will miss Cole Palmer if he's unavailable to face Arsenal? Let us know in the comments below!
"You can’t afford to waste too many chances and they were cutthroat in the second half," added Carsley. "It was good to see because it helps with their confidence. Sometimes when you see the scoreline, if you hadn’t been at the game, you’d think it was a walk in the park.
"But it didn’t feel like that, especially going a goal down. We spoke about it a few days ago, how will this squad react to a setback? To go a goal down when you are so in control, it’s testament to the players they responded the right way."
Pochettino recently spoke highly about Palmer. The Chelsea manager said: "Cole Palmer is a good link player and links with all his teammates. We are giving him a starting position on the right to play in between the lines because he is ready to be unpredictable. Football is a game where you need to be unpredictable and he has the capacity to do this."