Why is Cole Palmer wearing a bandage on his hand while playing?

COLE PALMER brought his stunning Premier League form into the FA Cup.

The England ace's low cross was parried in by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen just five minutes into the fourth round clash - but you may have noticed Palmer was wearing a bandage on his hand in the game.

The bandage was visible during the celebration for the goal, with Palmer making a heart sign to the camera.

The 22-year-old has been in phenomenal form for the Blues this season, with 14 goals and six assists in 24 matches.

And boss Enzo Maresca has hinted he might start Palmer as the central striker if Chelsea's injury crisis deepens.

Maresca said: "Cole playing as a No9 in the past. We can find some different solutions.

"At the moment, we have not decided anything because we are still waiting for Nico [Jackson] and from there, we will see different options."

Why is Cole Palmer wearing a bandage?

Cole Palmer was seen wearing a white taped bandage on his right wrist during the FA Cup clash at Brighton on February 8, 2025.

However, Palmer did not have the bandage on as he arrived at the AMEX Stadium when he took to the pitch before his warm up.

And Palmer did not wear a bandage on his hand in the Blues' last match against West Ham five days prior.

Palmer's England teammate Phil Foden has been wearing a bandage on his hand for the past year, after suffering a fracture in February 2024.