Chelsea: Rosenior optimistic Palmer is getting close to his top level

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior believes there are “good signs” that Cole Palmer is getting close to rediscovering his best.

Palmer has been managed carefully by Chelsea throughout an injury-hindered season, and was not in the squad for recent wins over Pafos and Crystal Palace.

However, he played the second half in Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Napoli on Wednesday and made a huge impact off the bench.

Palmer provided two assists as the Blues came from behind in Naples to seal a 3-2 win and clinch a place in the top eight of the league phase table, securing automatic progression to the last 16.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Rosenior confirmed Palmer is available to start against West Ham on Saturday, while explaining the approach he has taken with the England international’s fitness in recent games.

“[He’s] absolutely fine,” Rosenior said. “He’s available to start tomorrow, so I’m really happy about that – like I am when any player’s available to start.”

“I want to make sure the players, when Cole or Romeo Lavia or Enzo Fernandez are at the top level, they’re top players, and I want to make sure they’re at the top level. I think Cole showed really good signs of that on Wednesday night.

“For a player to start at this level, there has to be a level of fitness. We’ve spoken a lot about Cole and I understand the reasons why certain things have happened, but since we’ve been here, it’s been mainly down to him.

“He’s been top in terms of the feedback he’s given and he wants to play football. He wants to play every minute of every game; that is what makes him a special talent.

“But what we have to do is make it clear to the players when we or I make decisions, it’s in their best interests. I think they’re starting to understand that.”

Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League table ahead of the visit of West Ham and will at least temporarily move into the top four with a victory.