Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed optimism that Cole Palmer will not require groin surgery, despite the England forward’s early withdrawal in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Palmer, who has managed just two Premier League starts this season, was forced off after only 21 minutes at Old Trafford. Addressing concerns over the 23-year-old’s condition, Maresca told reporters, “The medical staff, they didn’t mention to me about surgery. I don’t know if in the next days or the next weeks, but I don’t think so, to be honest.”
Maresca praised Palmer’s determination to feature despite not being fully fit, adding that the club will continue to monitor his progress on a day-to-day basis before making further decisions.
The forward is expected to miss Chelsea’s League Cup third-round clash against Lincoln City on Tuesday, with Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile also sidelined. Maresca hinted at turning to academy players for the fixture but admitted such an approach could be risky against an in-form League One side.
“These are the games that worry me most, because you can slip up very easily,” he said. “Football is full of these kind of games and I am very worried about that.”
What you should know
Cole Palmer’s groin injury continues to trouble him, but Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is confident surgery won’t be necessary.
The young forward’s absence adds to Chelsea’s growing injury list ahead of their League Cup tie with Lincoln, where academy talents could step up in what Maresca admits is a potential upset risk.
