Chelsea have suffered a major setback ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton tomorrow, with star forward Cole Palmer ruled out for up to three weeks after sustaining a groin injury.
The news was confirmed by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who revealed that the club has decided to prioritize Palmer’s long-term fitness over rushing him back into action.
“Cole will be out for around three weeks. We need to protect him until he feels 100% ready. It’s a decision made to avoid bigger problems,” Maresca said during his pre-match press conference.
Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers since joining the club, contributing crucial goals and assists that have often bailed the team out of difficult situations.
His absence is expected to hit the Blues hard as they look to regain consistency in the league after a stuttering start to the season.
The timing of the injury could not be worse, with Chelsea set to face a tough run of fixtures in both the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.
Brighton, known for their high-intensity style under Roberto De Zerbi, will likely view Palmer’s absence as a significant advantage.
Maresca, however, insisted that the squad has enough depth to cope, urging other players to step up in Palmer’s absence.
“We have solutions within the team. Injuries are part of football, and it’s an opportunity for others to show their quality,” he added.
Fans have taken to social media to express concern over the loss of Palmer, with many calling him Chelsea’s most influential attacker this season.
The groin injury will not only rule him out of the Brighton clash but could also see him miss key games against Manchester United and West Ham.
Chelsea supporters will now be hoping for a swift recovery, with Palmer expected to return by mid-October if all goes to plan.
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