Eugine Wabwile 
MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 17: Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between FC Bayern München and Chelsea FC at Football Arena Munich on September 17, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
TANDAO MEDIA NEWS.
Chelsea’s midfield maestro Cole Palmer is set for another six weeks on the sidelines due to a lingering groin injury, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday. The 23-year-old England international hasn’t featured since hobbling off during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on September 20.
Initially optimistic about Palmer’s return after the international break, Maresca admitted the prognosis had changed:“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks.”Despite the setback, Maresca is confident Palmer won’t require surgery and emphasized the importance of a full recovery.
“We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is that when he comes back, he’s fully recovered.”The Chelsea boss acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding recovery timelines, noting that even the medical team can’t guarantee a precise return date.“You never know. We hope six weeks are enough, but it’s a week-by-week situation.”Palmer’s absence leaves a significant void in Chelsea’s lineup.
“He’s one of the best players in the Premier League. Cole is unique,we don’t have another player like him.”Chelsea’s injury list doesn’t end there. Defender Benoit Badiashile, who had been in stellar form, is also ruled out until December. “He was doing fantastic. We’ll wait for him.”On a brighter note, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Reece James have recovered and could feature in Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest.
However, Maresca himself will miss the touchline after receiving a suspension for his exuberant celebrations following Estevao’s dramatic late winner against Liverpool on October 4.“It was just a passionate moment. We hadn’t won a home game in the last minute since I joined, and it was against the champions of England.”
With key players out and the manager watching from the stands, Chelsea face a challenging test as they head to Nottingham Forest.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea looks on in the pouring rain during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on September 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
