Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca remains optimistic that star forward Cole Palmer won’t require groin surgery.
The 23-year-old England player left the pitch after just 21 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on September 20, 2025, marking only his second Premier League start this season.
Medical Outlook
Maresca shared that the medical team hasn’t suggested surgery. “It’s a day-by-day, week-by-week case,” he said.
“Palmer pushed hard to play despite not being fully fit. He wanted to support the team, but pain forced him out.”
League Cup Concerns
Palmer is expected to miss Chelsea’s League Cup third-round match against League One’s Lincoln on September 23.
Injuries also rule out Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile. Maresca plans to field academy players, but he’s wary.
“These games can trip you up,” he said. “Underdogs like Lincoln are dangerous, and I’m concerned about an upset.”
Managing the Risk
With a thin squad, Maresca admitted relying on young players is risky. “Football is full of surprises in cup ties like this,” he noted, stressing the need for caution against a strong Lincoln side.
