Chelsea has issued a significant update concerning the injury status of several first-team players, including Cole Palmer and Benoit Badiashile, as the club navigates the congested fixture list ahead of the international break.
Despite securing a valuable derby win over Tottenham Hotspur and reducing the number of minor squad issues, manager Enzo Maresca faces continued absences among his key personnel.
The most critical concern centres on star midfielder Cole Palmer, who has managed only four appearances this season due to a recurring groin complaint.
Maresca delivered a revised, more cautious prognosis, confirming that the influential playmaker will be sidelined for a significant period longer than initially hoped.
“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks,” Maresca revealed. He did, however, confirm that the midfielder will not require an operation, adding:
“Yes, absolutely [he still doesn’t need surgery]. We try just to protect Cole as much as we can and the most important thing is that.” Palmer is currently scheduled to return to action in December.
The defensive line also sees an enforced absence, with Benoit Badiashile sidelined once again due to a muscle problem after a brief spell of fitness. Maresca expressed his disappointment but maintained belief in the defender’s abilities, stating:
“Benoit will be out until December, injury again. A muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, he showed all of this, he showed how he needed, and we’re going to wait for him.”
Additionally, young prospect Dario Essugo is facing an extended recovery timeline. Essugo sustained a thigh injury while on duty with Portugal’s Under-21s in September, necessitating surgery.
While the club has not set an official date for his comeback, current projections suggest the midfielder may not be match-fit until January.