Chelsea Hit by Multiple Injuries; Palmer Out Weeks

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer will be rested for two to three weeks to protect a recurring groin problem, with no surgery planned and care focused on pain management and a conservative approach. The club says he will miss several club fixtures and England’s upcoming internationals as they aim for him to be “100%” after the next international break; Sporting News reports Chelsea hope he could be back for the trip to Nottingham Forest on October 18. Maresca also revealed multiple other absences — including Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) and Wesley Fofana (concussion) — and longer-term absences for Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo, leaving seven or eight players sidelined. The injuries mean Maresca will need careful rotation and squad management across upcoming fixtures. Palmer’s spell out may force Maresca to find alternative creative solutions in attack.