Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed Cole Palmer will not return from injury until after the November international break. The England international has been plagued by a persistent groin problem throughout the season and at the Club World Cup, and faces a long period of sideline.
Palmer limped off in the 20th minute of Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United just over a month ago and has not been on the pitch since. Maresca initially said the Blues were aiming for a November return, but Palmer is likely to be out for another six weeks, meaning he will be out until December.
“I was wrong (about Palmer),” Maresca admitted. “Unfortunately he will have to be out for another six weeks. We are doing our best to honor the call as much as possible.
“The most important thing is that he is in the best condition when he comes back. Our medical team is not a miracle worker. We hope six weeks is enough. We have to take it one step at a time. But rest assured, he will be fine.”
Maresca subsequently admitted that three more players have been out for extended periods and are not expected to return in the near future.
“Lévy (Colwill) and Liam (Delap) are still out,” he added. “Unfortunately Benoit (Badiasil) will be out until December with a muscle issue.” We’re going to wait for him.
“Moy (Caicedo), Enzo (Fernández) and (Joao) Pedro did not take part in yesterday’s session. We will see if they can train today. Reese is fine, completely healthy.”
Maresca confirmed Palmer would not need surgery, but he will miss a further nine games over the next six weeks, including games against Tottenham and Barcelona.
Earlier this month, England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern that Palmer’s groin problem could become chronic.
“He just took part in the June camp,” Tuchel said when announcing the Three Lions squad. “Of course that’s a concern.
“First of all, the most important thing is that he can play without pain, because groin problems can be very dangerous if they become chronic.
“This is the most important thing. When he is fit and has rhythm and flow, he can decide games at club level and of course at international level. We know that.”
“(For me) there is absolutely no problem with him. We clearly understand and see the potential and quality, but there is also the reality that he has not been available in five of the seven (recent) camps. So now there are two camps left before the World Cup.”
