Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer will be rested for up to three weeks as he continues to manage a persistent groin injury, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed following the player’s early withdrawal in last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United.

The issue, which first flared during Chelsea’s shortened pre-season after their Club World Cup triumph in July, has resurfaced, prompting the club to take a precautionary approach.

“We decided to protect Cole… to not let his injury get worse,” Maresca said.
“He doesn’t need surgery, but we’re being conservative. Hopefully, he’ll be fit after the international break.”

Palmer’s absence comes at a critical juncture, with Chelsea set to face Brighton and Liverpool in the Premier League, followed by a Champions League clash against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.

Chelsea will now be without Tosin Adarabioyo who is out  with a calf injury until after the October international break. Also, Wesley Fofana is set to miss a number of weeks as he picked up a concussion injury in the League Cup match against Lincoln City FC, creating a huge void in defence for Chelsea going into the Premier League games against Brighton and Liverpool, and also the UEFA Champions League clash with Benfica before the international break.

Maresca will need to reshuffle his lineup and rely on squad depth as Chelsea navigate a demanding fixture list without key defensive and midfield options.

Would you like this adapted into a matchday preview, a squad depth chart, or a visual injury tracker for Chelsea’s campaign? I can also help build a stat spotlight on Palmer’s impact when fit.