Overview

• Palmer will be held out through the international break, with Brighton, Benfica and Liverpool set to occur in his absence, and he is not expected to join England in October.
• Maresca confirmed Palmer’s layoff follows his early withdrawal at Manchester United and previous missed games against West Ham and Fulham due to the same groin problem.
• The manager said the plan is rest and pain management rather than an operation, targeting a full return after the break.
• Chelsea’s selection strain deepens as Tosin Adarabioyo is likely out until the break with a calf issue and Wesley Fofana has a concussion, with seven to eight players unavailable overall.
• Analysis highlights Chelsea’s reliance on Palmer, with a reported win rate drop from 52.2% to 36.4% without him, while separate reports of his unhappiness and calls for Maresca’s exit remain unverified.