Maresca reveals triple Chelsea injury blow with Cole Palmer set to miss several games | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer will be rested for two to three weeks following persistent problems with a groin injury.

Palmer has struggled with the problem since the start of the season, pulling out of the game against West Ham in the warm up and then being forced off in the first half of last week’s defeat to Manchester United.

And Maresca says Palmer is now set for a spell out of the team to help him recover.

“We’ve decided to protect Cole a little bit,” Maresca said. “In terms of not letting his injury get worse.

“We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100% and to be fit after.

“I don’t think he needs surgery but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him.”

Chelsea are also facing problems in the centre of defence, with Wesley Fofana and Tosin set to miss this weekend’s game against Brighton.

Tosin has a calf problem, while Fofana suffered a concussion in the Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City. It leaves Maresca light on options in the middle of defence with Levi Colwill also still out.

But centre-back Benoit Badiashile could come back into contention along with midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Axel Disasi remained at the club this summer but Maresca says he is not considering him among the options to deal with Chelsea’s injury problems in defence.

Josh Acheampong could be, however, with Maresca hinting that he could play a part against Brighton.

“We trust Josh,” Maresca said.

“He was ill this week but had a session yesterday with us.”