Palmer, who has established himself as one of Chelsea\u2019s key attacking players since joining the club, has had the opportunity to work with Alonso from the first day of pre-season at Cobham.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Chelsea set to begin their Premier League campaign away against Fulham on Monday, Alonso believes Palmer is in a strong position to make a major impact.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cCole is determined to enjoy his football. He wants to be fit. He wants to feel healthy. He wants to have a good connection with the players around him,\u201d Alonso said at the pre-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd I've said that if we have this Cole and we can reach him and he feels that flow in the game and that he connects well with the players, I'm sure that his level is top-class, world-class, I would say, and that he will have a great season,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Palmer's progress has been disrupted by injuries at different stages of his career, but Alonso believes the forward has learned from those setbacks and is now taking greater care of his fitness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes. I think that sometimes you need to go through a difficult moment with an injury or whatever to learn from that,\u201d Alonso said when asked whether Palmer's injury problems were behind him.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Palmer's progress has been disrupted by injuries at different stages of his career, but Alonso believes the forward has learned from those setbacks and is now taking greater care of his fitness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chelsea will open their 2026\/27 Premier League season against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n