Chelsea boss gives fitness update after Palmer limps off against Manchester United with groin injury
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Cole Palmer’s groin injury, confirming that the England international is being monitored “day by day”, and that surgery is not currently on the table.
Palmer was forced off in the 21st minute during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Saturday — a recurrence of the same issue that kept him out of the squad against West Ham and Fulham before the international break.
“Game by Game” Assessment Ongoing
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup match against Lincoln City, Maresca explained that the club’s medical team is closely monitoring Palmer’s condition.
“It is more day by day, week by week, game by game, to see how he is and decide what we do,” the Italian coach said during Monday’s press conference.
Will Surgery Be Needed?
When asked directly if Palmer might require surgery to fix the persistent groin issue, Maresca responded:
“The medical staff didn’t mention to me about surgery until today. Now, I don’t know if it will be in the next days or the next weeks — but I don’t think so, to be honest.”
This suggests that while surgery is not ruled out entirely, it’s not expected in the short term.
Palmer’s Recent Injury History
- Missed Premier League matches against West Ham and Fulham
- Returned briefly before being forced off early vs Manchester United
- Now under day-to-day monitoring with no return date confirmed
Palmer has been a key player for Chelsea this season, often creating chances and contributing goals from midfield since arriving from Manchester City.
Next Steps for Chelsea & Palmer
- Palmer will likely miss the upcoming League Cup clash with Lincoln City
- Chelsea’s medical team will continue to monitor pain, mobility, and inflammation
- A final decision on long-term treatment — including the possibility of surgery — will depend on how Palmer responds to rest and rehab over the coming days.
