Chelsea injury news: Cole Palmer sidelined for six more weeks, Badiashile also out until December | OneFootball

Chelsea have been dealt another major setback as manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Cole Palmer will remain sidelined for at least six more weeks due to a persistent groin injury.

The 23-year-old has not featured for the Blues since September 20, when he was forced off in the first half against Manchester United after the problem resurfaced.

It was the same issue that first appeared in pre-season after Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain to win the Club World Cup in the United States.

Palmer has managed just three Premier League appearances for the Blues this season, and four across all competitions after playing and scoring in the 3-1 Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich.

Chelsea hoped he would return in early November, but Maresca has now pushed that timeline back to the end of the month.

“I was wrong,” Maresca admitted during his press conference earlier today. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out for probably six more weeks.

“We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit. We hope six weeks are enough. We need to see it step-by-step. For sure, he’s going to be OK.”

Palmer’s absence comes as a huge blow for Chelsea. The Blues talisman is expected to miss Saturday’s early kick-off fixture against Nottingham Forest.

He will also miss the subsequent nine games, including crucial fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in the Premier League, as well as Champions League outings against Ajax and Barcelona.

“To replace Cole is difficult,” Maresca added. “Cole is a very important player for us – probably one of the best players in the Premier League – so to replace that kind of player is always difficult.

It’s a frustrating situation for Chelsea as they look to retain their top-four place this season.

Palmer racked up 39 Premier League goal contributions last year (26 goals and 13 assists), breaking Chelsea’s club record for a single calendar year.

He also bagged a brace and an assist to help Chelsea win the Club World Cup.

Maresca also confirmed that defender Benoit Badiashile will be out until December after picking up a knock in the pulsating win against Liverpool before the international break.