Chelsea has suffered another blow: star midfielder Cole Palmer will be missing approximately six weeks of action recuperating from a groin injury. The news came from head coach Enzo Maresca on Friday prior to the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
Palmer first suffered the injury in August. But he did come back and found the net in successive games against Bayern Munich and Brentford. His comeback was brief. He re-suffered the groin problem in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on September 20.
Maresca’s comment about Cole Palmer injury
When asked about the timescale, Maresca admitted to having under-estimated the seriousness of the injury. “I was wrong … unfortunately he must be out for six more weeks,” he said.
The doctors do not believe Palmer needs an operation at this moment. Instead, they will give him time, introduce therapy and monitor his rehabilitation week by week.
For Chelsea, this is a massive setback. Palmer is typically regarded as the team’s central creative and attacking force. The coach stressed how hard it would be to replace him: “To replace Cole … it is difficult. … We don’t have another player like Cole — he is unique.”
Impact on Chelsea’s schedule
As a result of this extended lay-off, Palmer will probably miss a sequence of upcoming games. These are Premier League games, a Champions League game against Ajax and the potentially huge tie against Barcelona. Chelsea will have to do it with their already depleted squad because of other injuries. Maresca also said that centre-back Benoît Badiashile is out until December with a muscle injury, while others such as Moïses Caicedo, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto are in doubt.
What this means for Palmer?
For Cole Palmer himself, this interruption could harm his momentum. He had just enjoyed a breakout season in 2024-25 and was attempting to advance from that start. Now, missing six weeks of play means less playing time on the field and less chance to establish himself in both club and international football. Indeed, this injury calls into question his role in England’s system prior to the 2026 World Cup.
The fact that he doesn’t require surgery means, he can return sooner rather than later if rehabilitation is a success. Maresca affirmed Palmer is in good spirits, striving hard in therapy and determined to return in proper shape.
Chelsea’s reaction and what’s next
The Blues will have to reorganize now. The team will change its formation and tactics when Palmer is out. Maresca said that depending on the game plan, players such as Malo Gusto or Facundo Buonanotte have been employed in other roles.
The club will hope others rise to Palmer‘s challenge and that the squad does not get broken.
Meanwhile, medical staff will have a cautious policy. The motto is: let him return only when completely healthy, and do not push him so that he can get sick again. As Maresca explained, “The medical staff are not magicians. You never know … we hope six weeks is enough. It is a problem we need to see week by week.”
Author’s Insight
Cole Palmer’s injury is a bad knee-jerk for Chelsea at a time when consistency and stability are essential. The young midfielder will be badly missed for the next six weeks — and possibly longer if recuperation is lengthy. For the player, it is a test of patience and stamina. For the club, it is a test of coping without one of their brightest young hopes.
But there is hope: the very fact that there will be no surgery means he can return completely and play again. If the rehab holds true, Palmer could even come back stronger. The worry now turns to his recovery and on Chelsea staying competitive while waiting for him to return.
