Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will not need surgery on his groin injury, but will be out of action for a short period of time.
Palmer, 23, has struggled with injuries this season and was substituted early in the first half in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.
The England international had previously missed the Blues’ victories over West Ham United and Fulham with groin problems, missing the former after picking up the injury in warmup.
He returned as a second half substitute in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Brentford on matchday four, netting his side’s first goal, before going down against Man United once again last week.
Speaking ahead of the London side clash against Brighton this weekend, Maresca confirmed that Palmer faces a potential two to three weeks on the sidelines, as he looks to recover from the recurring injury.
“Yes, we decided to protect a little bit Cole. In terms of not letting his injury getting worse”, Maresca said.
“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.
Palmer, who recently finished eighth in the 2025 ballon d’Or awards has been Chelsea’s best player since his move from Manchester City just over two years ago.
He is set to miss a minimum of three matches, beginning with this weekend’s clash against Brighton and a midweek UCL tie against Benfica.
The 23-year-old has also been ruled out of next weekend’s crucial tie against champions Liverpool, but could make his return after the international break against Nottingham Forest.
“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”, the Chelsea boss added.
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