Palmer was sidelined for two-and-a-half months earlier in the campaign due to groin and foot injuries, but returned in December against Leeds United.

The 23-year-old has featured in all of our Premier League matches since, with his outing at the Etihad Stadium the first occasion he has started and finished a game since the opening weekend of the campaign.

McFarlane, our Under-21s head coach who has been overseeing the first team, said the final decision over Palmer's fitness would be taken after yesterday's (Tuesday's) training session. However, he expected the Blues' No.10 to be ready for action.

Speaking at Tuesday lunchtime, he said: ‘Cole is in a good place. We had a recovery session yesterday (Monday), so we will see how the players show up and how they feel and look in training before we know the definite answer. But I think Cole is ready to go.’

McFarlane will be in the dugout for our clash with Fulham before handing over the reins to Liam Rosenior, who was appointed Chelsea head coach Tuesday morning.

Our Under-21s boss has enjoyed his time working with the senior squad and believes the quality and mentality within the group can ensure further success for the Blues.

He explained: ‘There is a lot of talent, a lot of really talented players. Everyone speaks about the age but there are a lot of players in the group who can go on to be the best players in their positions with a little bit of development.

'There is top talent and a lot of good characters – you can’t do what the lads have done this season, and what they did in the second half against Manchester City, if you don’t have a certain type of character in the group.

'So I think he’s got great characters to work with, players who are really easy to work with; the transition has been really smooth for me and I’m sure it will be the same for Liam.’