Chelsea star Cole Palmer spent Valentine’s Day in Dubai with his girlfriend Olivia Holder, as Chelsea routed Hull City 4-0 in the FA Cup. The England forward was rested and did not travel with the squad, instead taking a brief mid-season break before returning to training for the Premier League run-in under new manager Liam Rosenior.

Chelsea midfielder Palmer opted for a change of scenery on Valentine’s Day, flying to Dubai with his partner, Olivia Holder, as his teammates secured a 4-0 FA Cup win against Hull on Friday night.

The England international did not travel with the squad and instead headed to the Middle East for a brief winter break. Holder documented the trip on Instagram, sharing photos from their hotel that quickly circulated online. One image showed Palmer reflected in the mirror behind Holder as she posed with a bouquet of roses. Another showed a selection of gifts, including a Chanel handbag, suggesting a luxurious first Valentine’s Day together after the couple began dating late last year.

The couple also reportedly spent a night at GAL Dubai, a high-end restaurant specializing in Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine.

Holder continued posting throughout the getaway, including a beach photo showing her relaxing on a lounger with Palmer standing a short distance away in the background. The venue the couple visited is known for its luxury dining, with Japanese wagyu beef reportedly costing around £800.

Palmer has maintained a relatively private public profile since his rise to stardom at Chelsea, so the posts offered a rare glimpse into his personal life. Fan reaction online was a mix of amusement and curiosity, with most acknowledging the midfielder had been granted leave rather than missing a match.

Chelsea’s coaching staff has been managing Palmer’s workload in recent weeks. He did not play against Hull, but the decision was not disciplinary; rather, it was a precautionary one by manager Liam Rosenior.

The 22-year-old has had an inconsistent season due to minor injuries, and the club wants him fully fit for the final months of the campaign as the Blues push for Champions League places. Internally, it was considered beneficial for him to take a brief break from training. He is expected to return to Cobham next week and rejoin preparations ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Burnley at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer scored from the penalty spot against Leeds in the last match but also missed a late chance to win the game, firing over the bar from close range in stoppage time as Chelsea were held by Daniel Farke’s side.

Despite that setback, the Blues remain well-positioned in the standings. They currently sit fifth, two points ahead of Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification. Chelsea hope a refreshed Palmer can play a key role in the run-in.

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