Overview

• Enzo Maresca said Palmer will be held out until after the October international break, aiming for a full return once club football resumes.
• The playmaker will miss home fixtures against Brighton, Benfica and Liverpool and is likely to be unavailable for England’s October camp.
• Maresca ruled out surgery, describing a conservative approach focused on managing a recurring groin problem that forced Palmer off at Manchester United.
• Chelsea’s injury list has grown, with Tosin Adarabioyo out with a calf issue and Wesley Fofana observing concussion protocols, as the manager noted “seven or eight” absentees.
• Palmer’s importance is pronounced, with 58 Premier League goal contributions in 98 games since 2023, and performance metrics show Chelsea create and score less without him.