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Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane has defended Cole Palmer\u2019s performances this year and has backed the midfielder to again prove he is a \u2018top player\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n Palmer has struggled to produce his best performances during a campaign interrupted by injuries. The 24-year-old has scored nine goals in the Premier League and has provided just a single assist.<\/p>\n Palmer\u2019s performances have been scrutinised as Chelsea have struggled for results, with the West Londoners winless in seven games to fall out of contention for Champions League football.<\/p>\n Chelsea take on Palmer\u2019s former side, Manchester City, in the FA Cup final this weekend with the Blues aiming to end the season with silverware. Ahead of the game, McFarlane backed Palmer to shine at Wembley.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he\u2019s had some really good games for us this year,\u201d the interim coach said at his pre-match press conference.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s had a lot of injuries that he\u2019s had to deal with. I was really pleased with Cole on Saturday. I thought he had moments where he showed his level and his quality.<\/p>\n \u201cSo really hopeful that Cole can produce that from now to the end of the season. He\u2019s a top player, and he\u2019s proved that many times.\u201d<\/p>\n Read \u2013\u00a0Every Manchester City player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements<\/strong><\/p>\n See more \u2013\u00a0The Premier League managerial carousel: Predicting who goes where<\/strong><\/p>\n Facebook | Instagram | Twitter<\/a> | YouTube | TikTok<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n