Cole Palmer is set to miss the Burnley match due to injury, while former Clarets keeper Arijanet Muric reveals Vincent Kompany’s role in his move.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer is rapidly closing in on a return to fitness, but he remains a doubt for the club’s upcoming Saturday lunchtime Premier League visit to Burnley.
The former Manchester City attacking midfielder has been sidelined since mid-September, when he finally succumbed to a groin injury that had limited his impact during the early weeks of the season, according to a report from the Burnley Express.
The England international has made just four appearances in all competitions for Enzo Maresca’s men and has missed out on adding to his 12 Three Lions caps as he continues to work hard toward returning ahead of the hectic festive period.
Maresca initially suggested a sooner return but later revised the timeline dramatically.
Speaking last month, the Blues boss was quoted as saying: “I was wrong – unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit. The medical staff are not magicians.
We hope six weeks are enough. We need to see it step-by-step. For sure, he’s going to be okay. He looks relaxed. He has tried to recover from the injury and is doing all the therapy.”
However, The Standard has now suggested Chelsea view their Champions League clash with La Liga champions Barcelona as a more realistic target for Palmer’s full return.
The report indicates this later expectation means the key star is not expected to feature against Burnley at Turf Moor this weekend.