Palmer admits struggles 'on and off the field'

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has admitted he has struggled "on and off the field" in recent months after his goal in the 2-1 win over Palmeiras.

The 24-year-old is widely regarded as one of Chelsea's best players but his goal in the Club World Cup, which helped his club reach the semi-final, was only his second in 28 games.

Asked why he ran to substitute Tosin Adarabioyo during his goal celebration, Palmer said: "That's my boy. Obviously, I've had a difficult time these past whatever months on and off the pitch, but he's always been there for me and he's helped me a lot.

"So, yeah, I just thought I'd go over to him."

In the semi-finals, Chelsea will face another Brazilian club in Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

With striker Liam Delap suspended, debutant Joao Pedro could earn his first start after impressing off the bench in the quarter-final.

Palmer added: "Is it his boyhood club? Nice. I think he did very well tonight. I think he changed the game for us.

"Obviously, he's been on holiday in Brazil and we didn't know what to expect from (in terms of) match sharpness and things, but tonight, I think he changed the game."