Cole Palmer Injury 'Meeting' Delivers Shocking Blow to Chelsea

Chelsea's star midfielder Cole Palmer is unlikely to make his comeback from a groin problem before November, according to recent reports.

Palmer was substituted during the opening period of the 2–1 loss against Manchester United on September 20 after aggravating a persistent problem that had been troubling him for an extended period. This prompted head coach Enzo Maresca to acknowledge in subsequent days that the 23-year-old required "safeguarding" from an increasingly demanding schedule that included complete involvement in the summer's Club World Cup.

Maresca has consistently declined to provide a specific timeframe for Palmer's potential return to the squad, though he mentioned in late September his expectation to see the player back following the October international fixtures.

Nevertheless, The Athletic is among several outlets reporting that a Chelsea meeting has determined Palmer won't be ready to return until November—the precise date for his pitch return remains unconfirmed.

This brief extension to Palmer's rehabilitation period means the attacking midfielder, considered among the finest in his role, will be absent for Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, a Carabao Cup fourth-round fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and a Champions League encounter with Dutch powerhouse Ajax.

Palmer Setback Compounds Chelsea's Injury Woes

Palmer's unavailability represents a significant setback for Chelsea, who are simultaneously managing what has developed into a comprehensive defensive injury situation. Levi Colwill faces an extended absence following an ACL rupture, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana were sidelined for last weekend's dramatic late victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Stand-ins Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong were subsequently unable to complete the full match against Arne Slot's Premier League leaders, before Reece James pulled out of England international duty after arriving at camp with a fitness concern. His current problem, fortunately, doesn't seem overly severe.

Forward Liam Delap, acquired during the summer from Ipswich Town, has been another player sidelined through injury, and he was accompanied on the treatment table for the Liverpool match by both Palmer and João Pedro due to suspension.

Palmer remains the primary draw in west London, however, with club personnel and fans now enduring a nervous period to determine whether he'll be available to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur on November 1.

Palmer boasts an excellent record in this fixture, securing victory in all four appearances, and has registered three goals and two assists during that span, including a double in the thrilling 4–3 triumph over Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last December.