FPL Tips: What to do with Cole Palmer in FPL?
Latest Palmer Update
Chelsea's comfortable win over West Ham on Friday was dampened by the sight of Cole Palmer withdrawing from the lineup during the warm-up. Initially named in the starting XI, he was replaced at the last minute by Estevao.
Manager Enzo Maresca was cautious in his post-match comments, confirming Palmer would undergo a scan to assess the issue. Thankfully, journalist Simon Phillips reported Tuesday that the scan results were more encouraging than feared. According to Phillips:
"Cole Palmer had a scan on his groin today and the results are positive, better than he first feared. Nothing serious or too bad showing up but Chelsea and Cole will be cautious and Fulham might come too soon."
This suggests that while Palmer may miss the West London derby in Gameweek 3, a return immediately after the international break is likely.
So what should FPL managers do with him? Let's break down the options.
Stay up to date with player injuries, getting the latest on Palmer and others on RotoWire
Option 1: Keep Cole Palmer
If the injury sidelines him for just a single fixture, patience may be rewarded. With two weeks of international football following this weekend, Palmer could be fully fit by Gameweek 4, right when Chelsea embark on a strong run of fixtures that last for an extended period.
Yes, holding him might mean relying on bench cover for one Gameweek, but it also saves you the trouble of transferring him out and then back in later. Given Palmer's talismanic role under Maresca (penalties, creativity and nailed minutes when fit), keeping him looks sensible if you can afford the short-term inconvenience.
Option 2: Sell for Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m)
Bruno emerges as the most attractive direct replacement. His penalty miss in Gameweek 2 has lowered his appeal in the eyes of many, but this might be the perfect opportunity to buy him.
United face Burnley next, a fixture where bookmakers rank Fernandes as the most likely to register an attacking return. Historically consistent, his multiple avenues to points (90 minutes, penalties, set pieces, creativity, and now defensive contribution bonuses) make him one of the most reliable assets in the game.
Had he scored that spot-kick against Fulham, people would be all over him.
This could be the perfect time to buy, and even captain him when others are hesitant.
Option 3: Sell for Matheus Cunha (£8.0m)
If you already own Bruno, Cunha is an excellent secondary United pick.
He's been the sharpest forward in their ranks and looks well positioned to capitalise on the Burnley game.
His £8.0m price point also provides flexibility for redistributing funds across your squad.
Option 4: Sell for Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) or Cody Gakpo (£7.5m)
Wirtz may not be the obvious play with Arsenal up next, but Liverpool's fixtures immediately after, Burnley and Everton, are highly appealing. He hasn't lived up to lofty expectations yet, but it won't be long before he gets in on the action, as well.
Gakpo is also emerging as a great under-rostered option. With three attacking returns in two matches and 90 minutes in both, he's thriving in Slot's system. Even tough fixtures don't diminish Liverpool's firepower, and at £7.5m he could be a bargain.
Option 5: Sell for Antoine Semenyo (£7.2m)
Semenyo's explosive start has already caught the eye, and despite two price rises, he remains tremendous value.
Bournemouth's toughest fixture versus Liverpool is behind them, and his pace and directness make him a constant threat. At £7.2m, he's the standout budget alternative.
Final Thoughts
The decision ultimately comes down to squad structure. If you have strong bench cover and already have Bruno Fernandes, holding Palmer for one week looks the optimal strategy.
But if you need an active starter, Fernandes and Cunha are the premium picks, while Semenyo offers superb value.
Palmer's injury may only be a minor setback, but FPL managers must weigh whether to play the waiting game or seize the opportunity to pivot to another in-form midfielder.
