Chelse’s Cole Palmer (23) will be sidelined for at least another six weeks after suffering a setback in his recovery from a persistent groin injury, a far longer absence than initially anticipated, BBC Sport has reported.
The 23-year-old, who has not featured since being forced off in Chelsea’s 2–0 defeat to Manchester United on 20 September, was originally expected to return shortly after the international break. However, Maresca conceded in Friday’s press conference that his initial optimism was misplaced.
“I was wrong,” the Italian admitted. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. We’re trying to protect Cole as much as possible, the key is that when he comes back, he’s fully fit.”
Palmer’s absence is a significant blow for Maresca and Chelsea, who have struggled to build rhythm in his absence. The England international, who scored 15 Premier League goals last season and was directly involved in 39 across all competitions, has been central to the club’s attacking identity since arriving from Manchester City in 2023.
“He’s a very important player for us, probably one of the best players in the Premier League,” Maresca said. “We don’t have another player like Cole, because Cole is unique.”
The setback rules Palmer out of crucial domestic and European fixtures, including league meetings with Tottenham, Arsenal, and Burnley, as well as Champions League ties against Ajax and Barcelona. It also casts doubt over his participation in England’s World Cup qualifiers next month.
GFN | Finn Entwistle
