Cole Palmer injury 'chronic' in worrying update as suspicions raised on Chelsea return

Cole Palmer could be out for longer than first thought after Thomas Tuchel's recent injury update

Chelsea could be without playmaker Cole Palmer for the Blues' next Premier League game against Nottingham Forest after the international break.

The Blues had initially expected Palmer to return after the international break, but there's newfound scepticism about that timeline.

As per the Daily Telegraph, Thomas Tuchel suspects Palmer won't be back for Chelsea's next game and described his groin injury as 'chronic' in a worrying update.

The same publication claim that Chelsea are not giving away any details on the severity of Palmer's injury while other reports say the club are scheduling a meeting to discuss the next steps in his recovery.

Palmer has not played for Chelsea since coming off after just 20 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Palmer watched on from the sidelines as Chelsea defeated Benfica and Liverpool ahead of the international break

Maresca revealed the England international's groin injury had flared up again, just three days after starting in the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The Italian head coach said the club and player would have a meeting this week to get an update on the injury. Speaking ahead of the clash with Liverpool, Maresca said: "I don't have any update at the moment [on Palmer]. We have a meeting this week."

Palmer watched on as Chelsea defeated the Reds 2-1 at Stamford Bridge with Willian Estevao scoring the winner late into stoppage time.

However, despite the joy after the full-time result, Palmer looked in visible pain when defender Jorell Hato jumped into him after the final whistle.

Palmer is not the only injury concern, with club captain Reece James being forced to withdraw from the England squad earlier this week due to a problem he picked up in the 2-1 win over Liverpool.

James' injury is not understood to be a serious one, with Chelsea's medical team already carrying out initial assessments. The defender will be given the international break to get further rest in a bid to have him back for the Forest game.

Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, meanwhile, are all out with longer-term problems. Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong are all currently injured but are expected to return to fitness after the international break.

On the latter, Willy Cabellero said: “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.”