Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer is expected to remain unavailable until November, following internal discussions over how to manage his persistent groin problem.
The 23-year-old has struggled with repeated discomfort since the issue appeared during a condensed two-week summer preparation period that followed his standout role in the club’s Club World Cup triumph in July.
His involvement so far has been restricted to four outings in all competitions, as the team aims to avoid aggravating the condition further.
Early withdrawal at Old Trafford prompts cautious approach
Palmer’s most recent appearance came in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United on 20 September, when he was taken off after just 21 minutes.
After the match, head coach Enzo Maresca explained that the club planned to give the England international a spell away from the pitch to prioritize full rehabilitation during the current international window.
As a result, he is set to sit out upcoming fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Ajax, Sunderland, and Wolves while he focuses on recovery.
England boss raises concerns over potential long-term impact
Palmer’s name was absent from Thomas Tuchel’s England list for the friendly with Wales on Thursday and the World Cup qualifier in Latvia on Tuesday.
When unveiling his selections, Tuchel described the situation as “concerning” and admitted there were fears the problem could turn into a chronic issue if not handled carefully.
