Maresca confirms Palmer set to miss another six weeks through injury
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will remain out of action for another six weeks as the midfielder continues to recover from a lingering groin injury.
Palmer, who has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers since last season, has not played since being forced off in the first half during the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on September 20.
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Maresca had initially hoped his playmaker would return after the international break, but speaking at his press conference on Friday, the Italian admitted that optimism was misplaced.
“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, this is the update,” Maresca said.
He confirmed that Palmer will not require surgery, but emphasized the club’s cautious approach. “We try to protect Cole as much as we can, and the most important thing is that when he comes back, he is fully fit,” he added.
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Major Miss for Chelsea
Palmer’s extended absence is a big blow for Chelsea as they face a demanding run of fixtures. Based on Maresca’s timeline, the 22-year-old could miss six or seven Premier League matches, along with three Champions League group games and the Carabao Cup tie against Wolverhampton on October 29.
Maresca admitted replacing the England international would be difficult.
“To replace Cole is difficult because he’s a very important player for us, probably one of the best in the Premier League,” he said. “We need to find different solutions and different skills. We don’t have another player like Cole — Cole is unique.”
SportsLigue