West Ham vs Chelsea – Premier League LIVE: Cole Palmer Ruled Out of London Derby

Chelsea have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Premier League clash against West Ham, as star midfielder Cole Palmer has been ruled out through injury.

The 22-year-old appeared to cut short his pre-match warm-up, heading back into the dressing room earlier than the rest of his teammates. His absence comes as a surprise, with no prior indication of a fitness issue.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp shed light on the situation, noting Palmer did not look his usual self during preparations.

“We don’t know the details. I was watching him in the warm-up and he wasn’t striking the ball with his normal ferocious style. Something isn’t quite right. We’ll see, but if he isn’t playing, Graham Potter will be the happiest man in this stadium,” Redknapp said.

Palmer has been a key figure for Chelsea this season, and his withdrawal could prove decisive in a heated London derby at the London Stadium.