Chelsea: Enzo Maresca expects Cole Palmer to miss England duty due to groin injury | OneFootball

The Blues are taking no chances with their star midfielder’s recovery

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It was revealed by Enzo Mareca on Friday that Chelsea are taking no chances with Palmer’s problem and have decided he will not feature again until after the international break.

That means the Chelsea star will miss crucial games against Brighton on Saturday, Benfica next Tuesday, and Liverpool next weekend.

The same groin injury saw Palmer miss England duty in September and Chelsea hope the fresh aggravation of the issue will mean he can spend the October break at Cobham, focusing on his recovery and return.

Chelsea have earmarked the away league game against Nottingham Forest on October 18 as a feasible date for Palmer to return to the team.

The Blues are in the midst of an injury crisis, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana also out until after the international break and trio Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill all out with longer-term injuries.

“I think so,” Maresca replied when asked whether Palmer might play for England next month. “But it is not my job to say that.

“If he is already out and is not going to play three games for us [then he is unlikely to go], but it is not my decision. It’s a decision for the international team.”

Palmer has played only 65 minutes of football for England since Tuchel took over as head coach in January, featuring only once — from the start in June’s laboured 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra in Barcelona. He missed the March camp because of a hamstring problem and was absent last month through his groin issue.

Maresca has been steadfast in insisting Palmer’s lingering issue does not require surgery, and he repeated that remark on Friday.

A persistent groin injury has niggled Cole Palmer throughout the season

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“I don't think he needs surgery,” he said. “It's just a matter of managing his pain and his groin. The number of games is something that can happen. So this is the reason why we try to be conservative with him to give him rest and hopefully he can be 100 per cent fit after the international break.

“The main thing from Cole is that he is always trying to play. He did against West Ham, and against Manchester United, and it was painful. He was a bit better but it’s a problem where one day you are better, one day you are worse.

“The medical staff decided the best thing for him was to try to give him weeks off for recovery. Cole was completely convinced that he needs that.”

Maresca revealed that Joao Pedro and Josh Acheampong are available for Saturday’s match against Brighton. Both are likely to play, with Acheampong expected to partner Trevoh Chalobah at centre-back in Tosin and Fofana’s absences.

“Joao Pedro and Josh both had their first session yesterday [Thursday],” Maresca said

“They are both better. Josh is better from being ill, Joao is better from the problem and they are both available.”