Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer will remain sidelined for an additional six weeks, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.
Palmer has been out since picking up an injury during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United on September 20, where he exited early in the first half.
Maresca had initially expected the 23-year-old to return after the international break but admitted his earlier estimate was wrong. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out for probably six more weeks,” he said.
The manager ruled out surgery and emphasized the importance of a full recovery. “We’re trying to protect Cole as much as possible so that when he returns, he’s 100 percent,” Maresca added.
He acknowledged Palmer’s absence as a major blow, calling him “one of the best players in the Premier League” and “unique” in his qualities.
