Overview

• Chelsea’s England international is sidelined with a groin issue, with reports suggesting he will be unavailable until the international break.
• Palmer attended the U19s’ 5-2 UEFA Youth League victory over Benfica, which featured a hat-trick from 17-year-old Shumaira Mheuka and starts for several teens including 15-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.
• He later replied “Ballaaaaa” to Nicoll-Jazuli’s Instagram post after the youngster’s notable appearance.
• At Stamford Bridge for the senior match, Palmer wore a matching beige puffer set that drew widespread social-media jokes and comparisons, with injured teammate Tosin Adarabioyo also seen nearby.
• Chelsea beat Benfica 1-0, and fans online remarked that the side lacked Palmer’s usual creativity.