Maresca hopes that Palmer groin issue isn’t season-long problem while also adding that his problem makes no sense.
Cole Palmer’s persistent groin ailment, according to Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, makes no “sense” and he hopes it won’t become a season-long issue.
After being rested for Atalanta’s Champions League loss midweek, the 23-year-old is anticipated to start Saturday’s Premier League game against Everton.
Palmer’s odd toe injury from November at home has mostly healed, but Maresca reported that the forward had “mixed feelings” during this week’s training.
“It’s the groin,” said the Blues boss. “Hopefully not something to manage all season, but it’s day by day. Some days he’s better, some days worse.
“For instance, after Leeds he was completely bad the day after and played half an hour. After Bournemouth he was OK and played an hour. There’s not any sense to it – it’s how he feels day by day.”
Palmer’s injury worries coincide with the intense battle for a spot in England’s team, let alone the number 10 position, during a World Cup season.
Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel stated he would only call up two players for that role during the most recent international camp.
In the World Cup qualifying victories over Serbia and Albania, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers started, Phil Foden came off the bench in both games, and Eberechi Eze played wide.