Chelsea have suffered a major setback after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that star forward Cole Palmer will be sidelined for another six weeks due to a lingering groin injury.
The 23-year-old, who has not featured since September 20, had initially been expected to return in early November.
However, the recovery timeline has now been extended, casting fresh doubts over his availability for both club and country.
The England international first developed the issue during Chelsea’s shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup triumph, and has since struggled to regain full fitness. Despite showing flashes of brilliance in limited appearances, Palmer’s stop-start season has been a source of frustration for both fans and staff alike.
Maresca: “We’re protecting him — but it’ll take time
Addressing the media on Friday, Maresca admitted he had been overly optimistic about Palmer’s recovery earlier. “I was wrong,” he confessed. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit.”
While ruling out surgery for now, the Italian boss emphasised that the club’s medical team is treading carefully to avoid worsening the condition. “The medical staff are not magicians,” Maresca said. “We hope six weeks are enough, but we must go step-by-step. For sure, he’s going to be OK.”
ALSO READ:
- “Horrible business,” “terrible signing”: One year on, Cole Palmer proves his doubters wrong
- Estevao’s last-gasp strike stuns Liverpool as Chelsea seal dramatic Stamford Bridge victory
- Cole Palmer returns to his roots: Chelsea star honoured in St Kitts after Club World Cup glory
- Chelsea striker Liam Delap faces lengthy injury layoff as Cole Palmer nears return
The former Manchester City man has been working closely with physiotherapists at Cobham, focusing on therapy and low-intensity exercises. Maresca described him as “relaxed and determined” despite the setback, insisting the player remains committed to making a full recovery.
Big miss for Chelsea and England alike
Palmer’s extended absence means he will miss crucial fixtures against Sunderland, Tottenham, Burnley, Arsenal, and a League Cup tie with Wolves. He is also ruled out of Champions League clashes versus Ajax, Qarabag, and Barcelona, as well as England’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
The injury couldn’t come at a worse time for Chelsea, who have been heavily reliant on Palmer’s creativity and finishing since his explosive rise last season. The forward contributed to 39 Premier League goals in 2024 — including 26 goals and 13 assists — setting a new club record for goal involvements in a calendar year.
His absence leaves a massive void in attack, with Maresca admitting, “To replace Cole is difficult, because he’s unique — one of the best players in the Premier League.”
Palmer’s recurring injury, which first flared up during a warm-up against West Ham and resurfaced against Manchester United, has been carefully monitored. Yet, the hope remains that this enforced rest will finally allow him to heal completely — and return stronger before the end of the year.
Tags: Cole Palmer, Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, #CFC, #COYB, #KTBFFH, #NOTCHE, groin injury.
