Cold Days Ahead For Chelsea's Cole Palmer; Ruled Out Of Action For Six More Weeks

Cold Days Ahead For Chelsea's Cole Palmer; Ruled Out Of Action For Six More Weeks

Chelsea's winter just got colder.

The Blues' boss Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that star midfielder Cole Palmer will be out for another six weeks as he continues to recover from a persistent groin injury.

The 23-year-old, who was pivotal in Chelsea's Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs last season, has been sorely missed this campaign. After netting 18 goals last term and dazzling in his breakout season with 25 across all competitions, Palmer's injury woes have restricted him to just three Premier League and one Champions League appearance so far.

Setback After Manchester United Exit

Palmer last featured in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 20, where he limped off midway through the first half. Initially, Maresca had hoped to welcome him back after the October international break — but those plans have now been shelved.

“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update," Maresca told reporters.

The Chelsea boss confirmed that Palmer will not require surgery, emphasizing the club's cautious approach to his recovery.

“We try just to protect Cole as much as we can, and the most important thing is that when he comes back, he's fully recovered," Maresca said.

Key Player, Major Miss

Palmer's absence comes at a crucial point in Chelsea's season, with the Blues fighting for consistency domestically and in Europe. His six-week layoff will see him miss at least 10 matches, potentially returning only in early December.

Chelsea's upcoming schedule is relentless — trips to Nottingham Forest, Ajax, and Sunderland, a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Wolves, and Champions League action versus Qarabağ. November ramps up further with league games against Wolves, Burnley, and a blockbuster European clash against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, followed by Arsenal before month's end.

Should Palmer's recovery stay on track, he could return just in time for the festive fixtures — a potential boost before the season's busiest stretch.

‘Cole Is Unique'

Maresca acknowledged the huge hole Palmer's injury leaves in Chelsea's midfield setup.

“For sure, we need to find a different solution, we need to find different skills, because we don't have another player like Cole," he said. “Because Cole is unique."

Source: News18
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