Cole Palmer in worrying injury update as Chelsea take immediate action

Chelsea's star playmaker, Cole Palmer, could be sidelined for the Blues' upcoming Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest following the international break. Initially, it was hoped that Palmer would make a return post-international break, but recent doubts have arisen regarding this timeline.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has expressed concerns that Palmer may not be fit for their next match, describing his groin injury as 'chronic' in a concerning update. The same source reports that Chelsea are keeping quiet about the severity of Palmer's injury, while other reports suggest that a meeting is being arranged to discuss the next steps in his recovery process.

Palmer hasn't seen any action for Chelsea since he was substituted just 20 minutes into the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

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Maresca disclosed that the England international's groin injury had resurfaced, merely three days after starting in the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The Italian head coach revealed that a meeting between the club and player is scheduled this week to assess the injury. Ahead of the Liverpool match, Maresca stated: "I don't have any update at the moment [on Palmer]. We have a meeting this week."

Palmer could only watch from the sidelines as Chelsea triumphed over the Reds 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Willian Estevao netting the winning goal deep into stoppage time.

However, despite the elation following the full-time result, Palmer appeared to be in considerable discomfort when defender Jorell Hato collided with him after the final whistle.

Palmer isn't the sole fitness worry. Club captain Reece James was compelled to withdraw from the England squad earlier this week due to an issue he sustained in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

James' knock isn't believed to be particularly serious, with Chelsea's medical staff having already conducted preliminary evaluations.

The defender will be afforded the international break to secure additional recovery time in an attempt to have him available for the Forest fixture.

Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, and Dario Essugo are all sidelined with long-term issues. Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong are all presently crocked but are anticipated to regain fitness following the international break.

Regarding the latter, Willy Caballero commented: "The two central defenders, it was just prevention.

"They made a great effort today, but just prevention. We spoke with them already and they said that they are okay, so [it is] good for us."

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