Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Everton clash | OneFootball

Cole Palmer injury concerns deepen Chelsea unease

Chelsea’s season continues to be shaped by uncertainty, and few situations capture that better than the ongoing fitness issues surrounding Cole Palmer. Enzo Maresca has offered a candid assessment of the forward’s condition, and while there is no immediate talk of surgery, the underlying concern is clear. Palmer remains unable to train and play without consequence, a worrying reality for both Chelsea and England.

The groin injury that has dogged Palmer for months has reduced his campaign to a frustrating cycle of brief appearances and recovery periods. With just six outings across all competitions and no full 90-minute performance since September, Chelsea’s most influential attacker has yet to build any real rhythm under Maresca.

Enzo Maresca’s frank assessment of Palmer pain

Maresca’s comments ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Everton revealed the unpredictable nature of Palmer’s condition. While the player is fit enough to start, his ability to complete a full match remains limited, and the physical aftermath of games varies wildly.

On whether Palmer will have to manage pain for the rest of the season, Maresca said: “Hopefully not. But it’s something that is a little bit day by day.

“You can see he’s getting better, [then] some days it can be worse. For instance, after Leeds, he was completely bad, the day after. And he played [only] half an hour.

“After Bournemouth, he was OK. He played one hour. There’s not any sense [to it]. It’s day by day that decides how he feels.”

That lack of predictability makes squad planning difficult and raises broader questions about how often Chelsea can rely on Palmer in high intensity periods.

Chelsea managing minutes and medical risk

Chelsea’s medical staff remain cautious. Palmer is one of several players, alongside Reece James, who the club believe cannot cope with three full matches in a single week without a heightened risk of injury. Maresca confirmed as much when asked directly.

“At the moment, absolutely yes,” he said.

Internally, there have been no discussions about surgery, despite outside opinion suggesting it may eventually be unavoidable. Maresca was emphatic on that point.

“No one mentioned anything to me about surgery,” he said.

For now, Chelsea are committed to careful load management, even if that means their most creative force operates below maximum capacity for much of the season.

England implications add further pressure

Beyond Stamford Bridge, Palmer’s situation carries international significance. England manager Thomas Tuchel is keen to include him in his plans for next summer’s World Cup in North America, yet Palmer has managed just 65 minutes in a single qualifier since Tuchel took charge in January, coming against Andorra.

Competition in the No10 role is fierce, and Palmer’s stop start availability does little to strengthen his case. A freak toe fracture suffered at home complicated his recovery further, although that issue has now healed.

Chelsea will hope that incremental progress turns into something more stable. Until then, Palmer remains a vital player treated with caution, a symbol of both Chelsea’s reliance on elite talent and the fragility that can undermine even the brightest seasons.