Liam Rosenior confirms 23yo Chelsea star is available to start vs West Ham United

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that playmaker Cole Palmer is available to start in the Premier League derby against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

The England international has endured a tough campaign with the Blues and he has been nursing a nagging groin issue for the last few months. As a result, he has been in-and-out of matchday squads.

Palmer was only a second half substitute against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but he made a big impact on proceedings, providing a couple of assists.

Rosenior has now revealed that Palmer is available to start in the London derby against the Hammers, he told reporters: "He came through with two assists and an outstanding performance [vs Napoli]. He's available to start [vs West Ham]. Really, really happy."

Chelsea are currently one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United in the league standings. A top-five spot could be enough to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Palmer, 23, looks poised to make the XI against the Hammers, but he could be handled with caution and may be substituted at the hour mark.