Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be out of action for another six weeks as the midfielder continues to recover from a groin injury. The setback means Palmer will remain unavailable until the end of November at the earliest, extending his absence beyond the club’s initial expectations.
Palmer has been sidelined since coming off injured during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on September 20. At the time, Maresca expressed optimism that the England international would return after the October international break, but further assessments have shown that the injury needs more recovery time.
“I was wrong,” Maresca admitted. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. The most important thing is that when he comes back, he’s fully recovered.”
The Italian coach stressed that Palmer will not require surgery and that the club’s medical team is taking a cautious approach to ensure the player returns in perfect condition. “We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The medical staff are doing their best, but you never know. We’ll monitor him week by week,” Maresca said.
Losing Palmer is a major blow for Chelsea, as the 23-year-old has been one of the standout performers since his move from Manchester City. His creativity, composure, and goalscoring ability have made him a crucial part of Maresca’s attacking setup. “He’s one of the best players in the Premier League,” Maresca said. “We need to find a different solution because we don’t have another player like Cole. He’s unique.”
Chelsea’s injury concerns do not end there. Defender Benoit Badiashile, who had been in fine form, is also expected to be out until December. “He was doing fantastic. He showed how important he is for us, and we’ll wait for him,” Maresca added.
There is some relief for the Blues, though, as Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Reece James are all back in contention ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
Maresca himself will miss the touchline action at the City Ground after receiving a suspension for his exuberant celebrations following Estevao’s dramatic late winner against Liverpool earlier this month. “It was just a passionate reaction,” he explained. “Winning against the champions of England in the last minute was a special moment.”
