PFA chief warns of Cole Palmer burnout amid Chelsea fitness struggles
Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango has warned that Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is suffering from severe burnout following a relentless fixture schedule.
Molango claims the England international has been left "shattered" by the demands of the modern football calendar.
Palmer has struggled to find rhythm this season, featuring in just 19 of a possible 42 matches due to fitness issues and form.
The concerns regarding player welfare come as elite stars face the prospect of competing in three consecutive summer tournaments without a substantial break.
Fixture congestion concerns
The 22-year-old completed a full domestic campaign in 2023-24 before joining the England squad for the European Championship.
Instead of a traditional off-season, the playmaker immediately transitioned into Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.
Molango visited the Blues’ training ground earlier in the season and observed the physical toll the schedule had taken on the squad.
"I was at the training camp of Chelsea when they came back… they were shattered," Molango stated at an FT Live event.
"Cole Palmer could go three consecutive summers without a break. To go for a 10-week window with the national team and then within four days be expected to be in the US to play the Club World Cup… this is just the reality."
World Cup place in doubt
The former Manchester City graduate has not featured in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad since June.
There are now genuine fears that his lack of consistent minutes could cost him a place at the upcoming World Cup.
Molango argues that the industry has reached a saturation point where the quality of the product is being diluted by fatigue.
"People say he’s a millionaire, yeah he is, but it doesn’t give you an extra lung or an extra leg," Molango added.
The PFA boss emphasised that fans are often short-changed because players are forced to regulate their physical exertion during matches.
"I want to see Cole Palmer on the pitch because he’s the one who makes me dream. I think we need to be honest with ourselves and understand that sometimes less is more."