Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Confirms Cole Palmer Out Until After International Break Amid Injury Crisis

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will miss the club's next three matches due to a recurring groin injury that has troubled him since pre-season. The decision to rest Palmer until after the October international break aims to prevent the injury from worsening and avoid surgery, with hopes he will be fully fit afterward. Palmer's absence includes key fixtures against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool, and possibly England's upcoming international games. Chelsea is also facing other injury issues, with defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana sidelined due to a calf problem and concussion protocols, respectively. Despite the setbacks, Maresca remains optimistic about finding alternative solutions and managing the squad through rotation to navigate this challenging period. The club hopes Palmer's rest will facilitate a full recovery, underscoring the importance of cautious injury management amid a congested fixture schedule.