Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League match against Burnley after sustaining a new injury at home, manager Enzo Maresca revealed Friday. The nature of the injury was described as a ”small problem” following Palmer’s recovery from a groin issue that had kept him sidelined for two months.
Palmer had been nearing a return to the pitch after rejoining training, but this latest setback throws his availability into question as Chelsea navigate a busy fixture schedule. The 22-year-old has not played since being substituted in the September 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. Maresca expressed hope that the injury is not serious, stating, “He was back with us almost with the groin and it was very good news. And then again he had this small problem and hopefully he has nothing important.”
Maresca dismissed any suggestion Chelsea were performing better in Palmer’s absence, emphasizing his importance to the team. “The teammates are better players with Cole playing,” he said. “I feel much better when Cole is inside the pitch and we all want Cole inside the pitch.” Chelsea currently sit third in the premier League table, having lost only twice in all competitions since Palmer’s last appearance.
Maresca also confirmed that Benoît Badiashile (muscular problem), Enzo Fernandez (knee), and Pedro Neto (groin) will be available for selection against Burnley.
