Cole Palmer (foto: Getty Images)
Chelsea expects Cole Palmer to return soon, with Enzo Maresca offering a positive update ahead of key clashes against Barcelona and Arsenal after the playmaker’s month-long injury absence.
Chelsea are growing increasingly hopeful that Cole Palmer will be fit in time for the massive upcoming matches against Barcelona and Arsenal. The 23-year-old, whose creativity and rhythm have been sorely missed, has been sidelined for more than a month — but there is now cautious optimism surrounding his return.
Palmer first suffered the injury before Chelsea’s 5–1 win over West Ham in August, forcing him to withdraw at the last moment. Despite a brief return after the international break, the issue resurfaced, leading to an extended spell out. His last appearance came during a 21-minute cameo in the defeat to Manchester United on September 20, marking nine missed matches across all competitions.
With the clash against Barcelona on November 25 looming — followed by a huge meeting with Arsenal five days later — Chelsea’s supporters have been eagerly awaiting news.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Qarabag, manager Enzo Maresca shared a measured but promising update:
“We hope so. We try to plan, we try to schedule — but we review it day by day. He’s not training with the team yet. I would like to have Cole tomorrow. We are a better team with him.”
Maresca also confirmed positive progress for Benoît Badiashile, who could return after the international break — another key boost.
Injury specialist Ben Dinnery added context, explaining that Palmer is dealing with a loading and intensity-based recovery, meaning setbacks can appear late in the process. For that reason, Chelsea will likely manage his minutes carefully when he returns.
“There’s no fixed timeframe. He may return after the international break, but Chelsea will want him fit not just for a few matches — but for the festive period and beyond,” Dinnery said.
Palmer isn’t the only concern. Pedro Neto is set to miss the Qarabag match with a minor issue, although Maresca expects him back for the Wolves fixture.
Meanwhile, midfielder Romeo Lavia is nearing full recovery after a long battle with recurring muscle injuries. Maresca compared his reintegration to Reece James’ carefully managed return last season:
“The target for Romeo is to stay fit. He’s training, he’s okay — but we need to protect him. Step by step, we want him on the pitch, not back in the treatment room.”
Chelsea now face a demanding schedule: a long trip to Baku to meet Qarabag, followed by Premier League matches against Wolves and Burnley. Then comes the defining stretch — Barcelona (Nov 25) and Arsenal (Nov 30).
If Cole Palmer returns in time, he could be the spark Chelsea’s attack desperately needs.