Chelsea handed major injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Chelsea Push for Palmer Return in Crucial November Stretch

Chelsea are edging closer to having Cole Palmer available again, with the club hopeful that their influential forward will be fit for the Champions League meeting with Barcelona on 25 November. After nearly two months sidelined with a groin issue that has disrupted his season, Palmer is finally stepping up his recovery and preparing to rejoin full training.

Palmer Nearing Key Milestones in Recovery

The intention within the Chelsea camp is clear. A possible cameo at Burnley on 22 November has been discussed, although not guaranteed, and the focus is firmly on the Barcelona clash three days later. Stamford Bridge will also host Arsenal on 30 November, a fixture that adds extra urgency to Palmer’s rehabilitation.

The club remain cautious. His groin problem has lingered since the Club World Cup and has already forced several periods of absence. While progress has been encouraging, staff do not want to repeat the cycle of setbacks that has hindered his involvement so far.

As reported earlier, Chelsea projected a six week recovery cycle from mid October, with Palmer expected to take part in full training before making his competitive return. That timeline appears to be holding.

Limited Minutes Highlight Challenging Season

Palmer’s last appearance came in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on 20 September. It was only his second Premier League start of the campaign, a jarring contrast to the central role he played last season. The stop start nature of his year has also limited his involvement with England, where he has played just 65 minutes since head coach Tuchel Thomas took charge on 1 January.

Photo: IMAGO

His importance to Chelsea has been obvious whenever he has been on the pitch. Creative output, decision making in tight spaces and an ability to unlock defences are attributes Enzo Maresca will be keen to reintroduce as soon as the medical team give the green light.