By: Kwame Bediako
Chelsea will be without key playmaker Cole Palmer for about six weeks, after head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged he underestimated the severity of Palmer’s injury. The 23-year-old sustained a groin problem in August but returned to score in recent victories against Brentford and Bayern Munich.
Unfortunately, Palmer aggravated the injury during a loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford and has been sidelined since. Maresca had initially hoped Palmer would rejoin the squad before the November international break, but confirmed ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest that the England international’s recovery will take longer.
“I was wrong,” Maresca admitted, revealing that Palmer needs an additional six weeks to heal. The coach assured that while surgery isn’t required, the club will proceed with caution in managing his recovery.
Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023, has only missed seven Premier League games so far. Chelsea’s performances have dipped in his absence, with a lower goal average and three defeats highlighting the challenge of replacing him.
Maresca described Palmer as one of the Premier League’s best, saying, “To replace Cole, it is difficult… he is unique.” The coach emphasized adapting tactics and relying on different players, but acknowledged that none quite match Palmer’s qualities at the moment.
