Cole Palmer to Miss Chelsea Games After Groin Injury

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been ruled out until after next month’s international break due to a lingering groin injury.

According to a report from VANGUARD, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that the 23-year-old England international would be sidelined for at least two to three weeks as the club prioritises his recovery.

Palmer, who limped off in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last week, had previously missed matches against West Ham and Fulham with the same issue.

“We decided to rest him for the next two or three weeks, probably until the international break, just to see if, with that rest, he can be able to recover 100 percent and to be completely fit after the international break,” Maresca explained.

The Italian coach, however, dismissed concerns over surgery.
“It’s just a matter of managing his pain in his groin, that, you know, with the amount of games, it’s something that can happen. So this is the reason why we try to be a little bit conservative with him, to give him rest. Hopefully, he can be 100 percent fit after the international break,” he said.

Chelsea will also be without Tosin Adarabioyo until after the break due to a calf injury, while defender Wesley Fofana suffered a concussion in their midweek League Cup win over Lincoln.

The Blues, who host Brighton on Saturday before key clashes against Benfica and Liverpool, are also dealing with goalkeeping issues. First-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off against Manchester United, while back-up Filip Jorgensen struggled against Lincoln.

Despite the concerns, Maresca expressed confidence in his keepers.
“Robert for a long period, a long time, he was very good with us. The last part of last season, the beginning of this season, he was fantastic. He made a mistake against Man United, I recognise that. I said many times, the ‘keeper made a mistake, it’s like midfielder or defender or striker, it’s exactly the same. We are happy with Robert, we are happy with Filip, both of them.”