Chelsea received news that changes its plans for the coming weeks. Enzo Maresca confirmed that Cole Palmer will remain sidelined for another six weeks due to a groin injury. The midfielder continues his treatment and is expected to return by the end of November if recovery goes as planned. The coach was straightforward: “I was wrong, unfortunately he needs to stay out probably for another six weeks. The medical staff isn’t magical, and we have to monitor the case step by step, week by week. But he’ll definitely be fine.”
A painful absence
Palmer has played only four matches this season and scored two goals. The physical issue has been bothering him since preseason and also kept him out of recent England call-ups. His absence worries Maresca, who has been trying to adjust the attacking system while waiting for the player’s full recovery. The coach admitted the challenge of finding a replacement: “Replacing Cole is complicated. He’s one of the best in the league and essential to our team. We don’t have another player with his same qualities. He’s unique.”
Medical forecasts suggest that the midfielder will miss not only the match against Nottingham Forest but also the upcoming fixtures against Ajax in the Champions League and Sunderland in the Premier League. Chelsea currently sit seventh in the table with 11 points from seven rounds, five behind leaders Arsenal.
Another problem for the medical staff
Palmer’s injury adds to Chelsea’s growing list of absences. Defender Benoit Badiashile remains out until December with a muscle injury, while Levi Colwill is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Palmer’s absence removes one of Chelsea’s main technical references. The midfielder was one of the team’s standouts last season and became a key piece in the attacking build-up. Now, the coach must readjust the squad amid a decisive run of fixtures without one of his most influential players.