Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that Cole Palmer is facing another six weeks out through injury.
Palmer has endured an injury-hit start to the season with the midfielder suffering from a groin issue.
After pulling up in the warm-up against West Ham in August, Palmer made a brief return with two substitute appearances, before missing the last two Premier League fixtures as the problem persisted.
Chelsea have considered the prospect of surgery for the 23-year-old, who remains unavailable.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Nottingham Forest this weekend, Maresca said he was initially overly optimistic about the injury.
The Italian had said he hoped Palmer would return after the October international break, but now believes he is facing ‘six more weeks’ on the sidelines. However, he is not expected to undergo surgery.
“I was wrong, unfortunately, he needs to be out for six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update.”
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