Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer will be sidelined for a few weeks as he recovers from a groin injury. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer, who was substituted during the first half of Chelsea’s 2-1 loss at Manchester United last week, will likely be out of action until after the international break. Palmer had previously missed games against West Ham and Fulham due to the same injury.
Maresca explained that the club had opted to “protect” Palmer to prevent the injury from worsening. He added that the decision to rest Palmer for two to three weeks was made in the hope that the midfielder could recover fully. “We want him to be 100% fit after the international break,” Maresca said. Despite the setback, the manager noted that surgery wasn’t needed and the issue was simply a matter of managing pain caused by the injury.
Palmer, 23, had been an important part of Chelsea’s early season success and his absence is a blow for the club as they look to maintain their form in the Premier League. Chelsea will face Brighton at home this weekend, followed by matches against Benfica and Liverpool next week, but with the international break approaching, there’s optimism that Palmer will return to full fitness afterward.
In addition to Palmer’s injury, Maresca confirmed that defender Tosin Adarabioyo is also unlikely to return before the international break due to a calf problem. Fellow defender Wesley Fofana is also nursing a concussion after a collision during Chelsea’s midweek win over Lincoln in the League Cup.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation remains a concern after Robert Sanchez was sent off for a reckless challenge against Manchester United, leaving back-up Filip Jorgensen to step in. Despite Jorgensen’s struggles in the League Cup match against Lincoln, Maresca expressed confidence in both Sanchez and Jorgensen, acknowledging Sanchez’s previous good form.
“We are happy with Robert and we are happy with Filip,” Maresca said, reinforcing his belief in the team’s goalkeeping options. Despite the injuries and setbacks, Chelsea will hope to continue their strong start to the season and come through the international break in good shape.
