Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be sidelined for approximately six more weeks with a groin injury. The 23-year-old has been out of action since aggravating the issue against Manchester United on September 20, missing four matches before the international break.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s match against Nottingham Forest, Maresca provided the update. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out for probably six more weeks,” he said. “We try to protect Cole as much as we can and the most important thing is that when he comes back, he is fully fit. It’s a problem that we need to look at step by step, week by week.”
In a further blow, defender Benoit Badiashile is facing another spell out after being injured during the recent victory over Liverpool. “Benoit will be out until December,” Maresca confirmed. “He is injured again with a muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, showing how good he is and how we need him.”
However, there was positive news for the squad, as Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Andrey Santos are all available for selection. The trio returned to training during the international break after missing the club’s previous two fixtures.
Captain Reece James is also fit and could make his 200th appearance for Chelsea at the City Ground. The defender did not join the England squad after sustaining a minor issue against Liverpool.
The availability of international trio Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Pedro Neto will be determined following a final training session. “They didn’t take part in the session yesterday, but we will see if they can train today,” Maresca noted. “Otherwise, they would be out for tomorrow.”
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