Cole Palmer injury truth after star misses training as Chelsea hatch Champions League plan

Cole Palmer has recently returned from a spell on the sidelines (Image: Getty Images)

Cole Palmer was not involved in first-team training ahead of Chelsea's clash against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League. The Blues will lock horns with the Italian outfit at the New Balance Arena on Tuesday night as they look to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stages .

The 23-year-old midfielder made his first start for Enzo Maresca's side since September at the weekend as Bournemouth held Chelsea to a goalless draw . Palmer was replaced by Joao Pedro shortly before the hour mark.

Speaking to reporters at the Vitality Stadium, Maresca provided an update on Palmer . The Chelsea boss said: "[He] played half an hour the other day, played one hour today. So now it's important that he can build the physical condition."

Moises Caicedo was, however, spotted in training at Cobham, as were the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, and Marc Cucurella. Liam Delap missed out, having suffered a shoulder injury in the draw on

The Blues climbed into the top eight of the Champions League 'league phase' at the end of November after smashing Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea broke the deadlock inside the opening half-hour after forcing an own goal from Jules Kounde.

Chelsea players celebrate Estevao Willian's goal against Barcelona (Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images)

Estevao doubled the west Londoners' lead after an excellent solo run shortly after the break. Then, Liam Delap put the third and final nail in the coffin, guiding the ball past Joan Garcia from close range.

"For me, personally, as you said, it's a big win, especially because the other team was Barcelona," said Maresca after the historic win. "But nothing changed in terms of what team we are, what we can achieve.

"So for sure it's important tonight's game, but no more than that. It's finished, now focus on the next one that is difficult again."

Enzo Maresca celebrates Chelsea's win over Barcelona (Image: Jan Kruger - UEFA)

The Chelsea boss added: "For sure, winning the Club World Cup gives the players the confidence that they need. Last year, we were playing in the Conference League, and I said many times that, for me personally, if you want to build a winning mentality, there is only one way.

"Winning games. Because otherwise, if you don't win games, it's difficult to convince the players, guys, we are building a winning mentality. But when we don't win, it's difficult.

"So the only way in any competition, Conference League, Champions League this season, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, is to win games. It's the only way to build the winning mentality.

"And I think the Conference League and the Club World Cup last season helped a lot. And now we are trying to do exactly the same. For sure, the players are better players in this moment compared to last season, because we spent more time together."