Chelsea are cautiously optimistic that star playmaker Cole Palmer will be fit to return for one of their two blockbuster fixtures next week, providing a major boost for manager Enzo Maresca.
Injury Timeline and Setbacks
A persistent groin problem has severely limited Palmer's involvement this season, restricting him to just three Premier League appearances. The England international started the season opener against Crystal Palace and scored off the bench in a September victory over Brentford.
His last outing, however, ended prematurely. Palmer was forced off after just 21 minutes during Chelsea's trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, exacerbating the issue. The club initially adopted a 'game by game' assessment but ultimately decided in October to take him out of the squad completely to facilitate a proper recovery, with surgery not deemed necessary.
Targeted Return for Crucial Fixtures
While this weekend's away match against Burnley will come too soon for the 21-year-old, the medical team at Cobham is working towards a highly anticipated return. According to reports from The Daily Telegraph, the ideal scenario would see Palmer make his comeback in next week's Champions League showdown with Barcelona.
Should he not be deemed ready for that European tie, the club is confident he will be available for the subsequent Premier League clash against London rivals Arsenal just five days later. Maresca is expected to provide a definitive update on Palmer's status during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Impact on Chelsea and England
Despite Palmer's extended absence, Chelsea have maintained a strong league position. The Blues have won six of their 11 matches and currently sit third in the table, just six points behind leaders Arsenal.
His fitness woes have also had international ramifications. Palmer has featured just once for England in the past year, leaving Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel with difficult decisions to make ahead of next summer's World Cup, particularly in a crowded attacking midfield department.
For now, Palmer has returned to light training at the club's Cobham base, where he will continue to gradually increase his workload with the aim of being fully integrated back into the squad.
