Enzo Maresca Faces Defensive Woes as Chelsea Stars Injure
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be sidelined for two to three weeks to recover from a persistent groin injury.
Maresca believes Palmer won't require surgery, but rather needs time to manage the pain and recover fully...
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be sidelined for two to three weeks to recover from a groin injury. Palmer, who has been a standout performer for Chelsea this season.
England international Palmer suffered a groin injury last month, but returned to action with back-to-back goals against Brentford and Bayern Munich. However, the 23-year-old was forced off the field with injury during Saturday's 2-1 loss at Manchester United.
“Yes, we decided to protect a little bit, Cole. In terms of not letting his injury get worse,” Maresca told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League home game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
“We decided to rest him for two, three weeks until the international break to see if, with that rest, he can recover 100% and be fit after the international break.
“I don't think he needs surgery, but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him.”
🚨⚠️ Cole Palmer will be out for the next 2-3 weeks.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 26, 2025
Maresca: “We decided to protect Cole a little bit, in terms of don't get worse. We decide to rest him for the next 2-3 weeks until the international break, just to see if with that rest he can recover to 100%“. pic.twitter.com/PMPzVbHm3e
Defender Tosin Adarabioyo is also likely to be out until the international break, which starts October 6th, due to a calf issue, while Wesley Fofana suffered a concussion during Tuesday's 2-1 League Cup win at Lincoln City, Maresca added.
Club World Cup winners Chelsea, who have picked up eight points from their first five Premier League matches, are also without Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo due to injuries.
Chelsea is dealing with a significant injury crisis ahead of their match against Brighton.
Here are the key players who are sidelined:
Cole Palmer: Ruled out for two to three weeks with a groin injury, which he aggravated during the 2-1 loss to Manchester United. Palmer's absence will be a significant blow, especially in the upcoming matches against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool.
Wesley Fofana: Sidelined for around 12 days after suffering concussion symptoms during Chelsea's League Cup win over Lincoln City. Fofana's injury will keep him out of the upcoming fixtures, including the crucial match against Brighton.
Tosin Adarabioyo: Expected to be out until the international break with a calf issue. Adarabioyo's absence adds to Chelsea's defensive woes.
Levi Colwill: Sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, expected to return in late April 2026.
Liam Delap: Dealing with a hamstring injury, expected to return in mid-November 2025.
Dario Essugo: Sidelined with a thigh injury, expected to return in early 2026.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will have to get creative with his team selection to overcome the injury crisis. With these key players out, Maresca's squad depth will be put to the test in the upcoming matches.
“In this moment, for different reasons, we have problems. We have seven or eight players out. Is this a consequence of last season? I don't know,” Maresca added.
“We always try to rotate players. That has to be the main target this season because of the amount of games, the amount of injuries. Sometimes you are not able to rotate because you don't have the right numbers.”
Palmer's absence will be a significant blow to Chelsea, given his importance to the team as a creator and goalscorer. Maresca has acknowledged that Chelsea are a better team with Palmer on the pitch, but he'll need to find alternative solutions when the playmaker is unavailable.
Up next: Brighton visit in the #PL! 💪 pic.twitter.com/ot63YBBTFy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 25, 2025
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