Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will miss Saturday’s west London derby against Fulham in the Premier League, Afrosport reports.
The 23-year-old was sidelined for last weekend’s 5-1 win over West Ham United after suffering a groin injury during the warm-up, and he remains unavailable as the Blues prepare for their third match of the campaign.
Palmer’s absence adds to Chelsea’s growing injury list, with Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia also ruled out. The midfielder has also been left out of England’s squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
“Cole, we need to see day by day. Romeo and Benoit, I don’t think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer,” Maresca told reporters on Friday.
“I spoke with Thomas [Tuchel] a few times; it’s Thomas’ decision [not to pick Palmer]. He’s not available tomorrow, so it is quite normal that he has shown he has some problems.”
Chelsea impressed at the London Stadium last week without Palmer, but Maresca warned that Fulham present a different challenge and his team must find a way to cope without the 23-year-old. Marco Silva’s side are unbeaten this season and held Manchester United to a draw in their last outing.
“We are much, much better team with Cole no doubt,” he added. “But when Cole is not in the game, we need to find different solution. Last week we found different solution. Hopefully tomorrow we can do the same.”
“[Fulham are] solid, well organised. They play nice football and it is not random they are doing well. Marco is good, the players are good. We need to be careful, as always.”
Meanwhile, Maresca also hinted that Chelsea are edging closer to completing the signing of Alejandro Garnacho. Reports suggest the Blues have agreed a £40 million deal with Manchester United for the Argentine winger, who is in London for his medical.
“I know that is around here,” the Italian said. “I don’t know exactly where he is, but he’s around here.
“He’s a player that it’s quite clear his position is a winger. I see him as a winger.”
