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Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has opened up about his prolonged groin injury battle earlier this campaign, revealing it left him unable to even take a shot.
The 23-year-old was forced to withdraw during the warm-up ahead of Chelsea's second Premier League fixture of the season, ultimately sitting out 19 matches for club and country across two separate injury spells, the latter of which was further complicated by a broken toe.
A series of minor setbacks have combined to make this the most injury-plagued season of Palmer's career, and it was evident for much of the campaign that he was far from operating at his peak.
With 10 goals and three assists across 26 appearances, Palmer is gradually returning to his sharpest form. He looked assured during the 7–0 FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Port Vale on Saturday, after which he spoke candidly about just how tough his injury ordeal had been.
"I feel good," he told club media after leading the side in the absence of injured Reece James and suspended Enzo Fernández. "I feel like I've turned a corner.
"Physically, I feel good, now I can finally shoot again, I can do everything again. It's just about kicking on and performing."
Chelsea Need Palmer at Full Strength for Season Run-In
Palmer's campaign has mirrored the broader struggles at Chelsea this year. Progress has been too inconsistent, and the Blues have repeatedly found it difficult to cope without their star player at full fitness.
Seeing Palmer back to his best is a welcome sight for Chelsea supporters as they gear up for a pivotal end to the season, which includes a Wembley semifinal against Leeds United in the FA Cup later this month.
Of greatest importance to Chelsea is the race for Champions League qualification. A dismal run prior to the international break has left Liam Rosenior's side on the outside looking in, sitting one point behind fifth-placed Liverpool and six points off the top four. Fortunately for the west Londoners, England is expected to receive five Champions League berths this season.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all await Chelsea before the campaign concludes. Rosenior needs his key players to deliver, and Palmer sits firmly at the top of that list.
For Palmer, there is added motivation. Injuries have hampered his influence under new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has an abundance of attacking options as he prepares to name his 26-man World Cup squad, meaning Palmer's place is far from secure if he continues to underperform.
A strong finish to the season would send a powerful statement to Tuchel and give everyone connected with Stamford Bridge plenty to cheer about this summer.