Barcelona handed huge boost as Chelsea superstar set to miss UCL clash | OneFootball

As Barcelona look to resume their campaign this weekend, the Catalan side will be thinking about clashes against the likes of Girona, Real Madrid and Olympiakos.

However, looking ahead to next month’s clash against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona have been handed a major boost.

Cole Palmer ruled out against Barcelona

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been ruled out for the next six weeks and will miss the Champions League fixture against Barcelona scheduled for November 25 at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old Englishman picked up a groin injury during Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United on September 20.

Initial assessments suggested he would be sidelined for about a month and a half, but manager Enzo Maresca has now confirmed that Palmer’s recovery will take longer than expected.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been ruled out of the Barcelona clash next month. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he’ll have to be out for six more weeks. This is the update. We’re trying to protect Cole as best we can.

“It’s important that when he comes back, he’s fully fit. Replacing Cole is difficult. Cole is a very important player for us — one of the best in the Premier League,” Maresca told reporters.

Palmer’s absence is a major blow for Chelsea, as the attacking midfielder has been one of their most influential players this season.

Along with missing the key tie against Barcelona, he will also sit out crucial London derbies against Tottenham and Arsenal in November.

Adding to Chelsea’s injury woes, Benoit Badiashile will also be sidelined until December due to a muscle problem, while Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill remain long-term absentees.