Chelsea’s injury challenges persist as Enzo Maresca reveals concerning updates on Cole Palmer‘s condition and anticipated return timeline.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, has announced that Cole Palmer will be sidelined for an additional six weeks while recuperating from a groin injury.
The 23-year-old midfielder has been unavailable since worsening the injury during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United last month.
This prolonged recovery period could see Palmer miss up to nine upcoming fixtures, including the Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur on November 1, the Champions League clash against Barcelona on November 25, and potentially the high-stakes match against Arsenal on November 30.
Initially, Maresca had downplayed the seriousness of Palmer’s injury, but recent assessments have revealed a more severe setback. “I underestimated the situation, unfortunately,” he admitted. “Cole is expected to be out for another six weeks. Our medical staff is working tirelessly to ensure he returns fully fit. These injuries require patience, and we will evaluate his progress weekly, but we remain optimistic about his recovery.”
The Italian manager highlighted the significant impact of Palmer’s absence, calling him “one of the Premier League’s standout talents.” He also acknowledged that Chelsea’s squad depth will be put to the test as they seek suitable replacements.
“Finding a direct substitute for Cole is challenging because of his unique qualities,” Maresca explained. “We’ve experimented with different players depending on the opposition-Malo Gusto featured against Liverpool, Facundo Buonanotte played against Benfica-but each match demands a tailored strategy.”
Despite missing their key playmaker, Chelsea have secured victories in three of their last four games, including a notable 2-1 win over Liverpool.
Adding to Chelsea’s injury concerns, defender Benoit Badiashile is expected to be out until December after sustaining a muscle injury during the Liverpool encounter. Meanwhile, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo face late fitness checks ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Nottingham Forest, having missed recent training sessions.
On a brighter note, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Andrey Santos have all returned to full fitness. Captain Reece James, who recently pulled out of England’s squad, is also fit to play, with the club confirming his issue was minor.
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