Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer will miss up to three weeks of action, including key matches against Liverpool and Benfica, as the club opts to rest him to manage a persistent groin injury.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the decision, stating the conservative approach is to prevent the issue from worsening.
“We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100%,” Maresca said.
The manager added that Palmer does not require surgery, but needs time to manage the pain.
Palmer was forced off during last weekend’s defeat by Manchester United.
The period of rest means he will miss Premier League fixtures against Brighton and Liverpool, as well as the Champions League clash with Benfica.
The club also confirmed that Tosin Adarabioyo is out until after the international break, and Wesley Fofana misses the Brighton game with a concussion.
