Chelsea confirm huge injury blow in boost for Brighton and Liverpool

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that playmaker Cole Palmer will need to be rested until after the next international break as he struggles to shake off a groin issue.

The England international was absent from the squad for the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City, having managed just 21 minutes before coming off early against Manchester United. When asked for an update on the player ahead of this weekend’s clash against Brighton, the Blues boss confirmed it was not good news.

He said: “Yes, we decided to protect a little bit Cole. In terms of not letting his injury getting worse.

Chelsea handed Cole Palmer injury blow

"We decided to rest him for two-three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100% and to be fit after the international break. I don't think he needs surgery but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him."

Palmer had scored goals in back to back games against Brentford and then against Bayern Munich in the Champions League before picking up the problem. He is now set to miss out against the Seagulls this weekend.

The midfielder will also be absent for the visit of Liverpool to Stamford Bridge next month, as well as the Champions League clash against Jose Mourinho and Benfica.

Maresca also provided an update on the fitness of Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana, with the two defenders set to be absent against Brighton. He said: “Tosin [Adarabioyo] is injured. He will probably be out until the international break, he has a small problem in his calf. Wes Fofana had concussion against Lincoln. The rest are okay."

Enzo Maresca criticised for rushing Palmer back

Palmer, who moved to Chelsea from Manchester City for a reported £40 million in 2023, has gone on to become the key man in Maresca’s Chelsea squad. The playmaker has 45 goals and 29 assists in his 101 outings for the Blues.

Maresca has been criticised in the past for rushing Palmer back from injuries. Speaking this week, Paul Merson said: “Palmer looks to be injured and Chelsea need to rest him. But the reality is that they can't do it! You look at Arsenal, if they have Bukayo Saka injured and Noni Madueke comes in and performs well. Now that Madueke is injured, Saka just comes back in.

“My point is, whoever plays there, it does not weaken Arsenal. Look at all the money Chelsea have spent and still, if Palmer gets injured, they are in trouble. Palmer is being forced to rush back into the line-up because Chelsea don't have anyone else who can do what he does for them!

In other news, Paul Merson and Chris Sutton make Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham predictions as 'on trial' claim made.