Cole Palmer injury theory emerges after fresh Chelsea blow and teammate's antics

Cole Palmer could be out of action until November (Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Jorrel Hato will be glad to know that Cole Palmer is only going to be out of action for a few weeks, rather than months. The 19-year-old defender, whom Chelsea signed from Ajax in the summer for £37m , was spotted jumping on his injured teammate following the Blues' 2-1 win over Liverpool.

Hato replaced Josh Acheampong during the second half of the clash at Stamford Bridge, slotting alongside Reece James at the heart of the backline. The Netherlands international hit the ground running, making a number of interceptions and clearances .

He also showcased his composure, playing a key role in the west London outfit's late winner . Hato was delighted with the result, and he was keen to share the moment with his new teammate.

After the game, the Dutchman launched himself into Palmer, who winced in pain as he took a little stumble . The Chelsea talisman quickly reminded Hato that he was nursing an injury, pointing to his groin.

The teenage defender quickly apologised, putting his arm around Palmer before patting him on the chest . At the time, many speculated that Hato aggravated the England international's injury.

Palmer, who has missed each of Chelsea's last four matches in the Premier League, will be unavailable for selection when the Blues face Nottingham Forest and Sunderland after the international break. It's understood that he won't be ready to face Ajax in the Champions League or Wolves in the Carabao Cup either .

"Not only Cole, in my personal view, because as I said now, because of the Club World Cup or because we never stop. We need to manage and protect different players. For sure, Cole is one of them. Another one is Moi [Caicedo].

"Joao Pedro, also, since he joined us, he's playing every game. The solution with Cole, I don't know. Now we have a meeting with the medical staff and we decide the best solution for him. But it's also a kind of injury that is not like black and white.

"It's not an injury that someday you can be better. It's not that you are playing, and tomorrow you disappear. Sometimes you can be better, sometimes you can be worse. That is why we need to manage day by day."

Palmer was, understandably, left out of the England squad for this month's international break. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Three Lions' friendly win over Wales, Thomas Tuchel provided an update on the Chelsea star's situation.

"He was only in the June camp, that is concerning, of course," said the former Blues boss. "First of all, the most important thing is that he can play without pain, because the groin issue is a very dangerous one to become chronic.

"This is the most important thing. When he's fit and when he has rhythm and flow, he can decide matches on club level and, for sure, on international level. We know that. There is also with him no problem at all (for me).

"We clearly understand and see the potential and the quality, but there is also a reality that he was not available in five of the (last) seven camps, so right now there are two camps left before the World Cup."

When asked if Palmer could face Forest in Chelsea's first game back after the international break, Tuchel said: "It would surprise me this time if he was able to play."