Purely based on the numbers, Chelsea’s nerves over Palmer’s injury absence should be eased. They have won 14 of their 17 matches without him since the 23-year-old’s debut on September 2, 2023. The Blues have been victorious in all three matches they have played without him this term, beating West Ham United, Fulham and, most recently, Lincoln City.

Jose Mourinho has delivered his verdict on Cole Palmer's absence for the Champions League game against Benfica on Tuesday.