Overview

• Palmer will miss the home fixtures against Brighton, Benfica and Liverpool and is not expected to join England’s October camp.
• Enzo Maresca said surgery is not planned, with the focus on rest to manage groin pain and target full fitness after the break.
• Chelsea’s injury list has grown, with Tosin Adarabioyo sidelined by a calf issue until the break and Wesley Fofana out after a concussion.
• Maresca pledged tactical adjustments and rotation, noting seven or eight absences and the need to find different solutions without Palmer.
• Palmer’s influence is substantial, with analysis showing Chelsea create and win less without him in the starting XI.