Cole Palmer did not take part in Chelsea training before their Champions League trip to Atalanta.
The Blues held a session at their Cobham base on Monday morning ahead of flying from London to Bergamo.
However, Palmer was not involved. Standard Sport understands that such an absence was pre-planned and part of his tailored return to full fitness, rather than any new injury setback.
Palmer has been suffering from a recurring groin injury this season and Chelsea’s medical staff have opted to be extra cautious with his managed return this month.
Having seen his comeback delayed by a fractured toe sustained in a freak accident at home, the England star made his first appearance since September 20 when he came on as a 61st-minute substitute in last Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat at Leeds in the Premier League.
Palmer then started Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, lasting 58 minutes before being replaced by Joao Pedro, as part of Chelsea’s plan.
Despite not training on Monday, Palmer will be fit to play and is expected to start once more against Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
His absence from training on Monday may pave the way for Facundo Buonanotte to play against Atalanta. The Brighton loanee has not featured in any competition since getting 19 minutes off the bench in last month’s 2-2 draw with Qarabag in the Champions League.
The Argentine has been used sparingly by Enzo Maresca so far this season but operates in the same No10 position as Palmer and did take part in training on Monday.
