Chelsea handed new Cole Palmer injury boost ahead of Arsenal and Barcelona showdowns

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Evening Standard

·13 November 2025

Chelsea handed new Cole Palmer injury boost ahead of Arsenal and Barcelona showdowns

Palmer closing in on return after almost two months out with groin issue

Chelsea are working to get Cole Palmer back fit in time to make his return from injury in the Champions League clash with Barcelona.

The Blues host Barca at Stamford Bridge on November 25 and it remains the hope of both Palmer and the club that he will have recovered from the reoccurring groin issue that has plagued him since the Club World Cup in time to feature.

While a cameo appearance at Burnley on November 22 has been mooted and not yet completely ruled out, it is the Barcelona fixture three days later that they are actively working towards. Chelsea then face Arsenal in a huge game at Stamford Bridge on November 30.

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Given his groin problem has not gone away this season, the club are not minded to rush him back.

Palmer last played for Chelsea on September 20

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He is expected back in training soon. Standard Sport reported on October 17 that Chelsea foresaw him returning to match action after six weeks but that he would be taking part in full training before then.

The England star has not played since the defeat to Manchester United on September 20 and has started only two Premier League matches this term.

His game time for his country has been heavily limited by ill-timed injuries, meaning he has played only 65 minutes of action for England since head coach Tuchel Thomas took over on January 1.

Enzo Maresca is next expected to provide an update on Palmer’s progress in recovery when he speaks in his press conference on November 21 ahead of the Burnley match.