Chelsea’s attacking talisman Cole Palmer has shared an emotional update on his recovery, giving fans hope that his return to the pitch might not be too far away. The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined since Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September, marked a personal milestone this week while revealing his eagerness to get back into action.
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Setback for Chelsea’s Key Man

Palmer’s absence has been a major blow for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side. After an electrifying 2024/25 season where he netted 18 goals across all competitions and guided the club to Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs, expectations were sky-high. However, a persistent groin problem has limited the forward to just three Premier League appearances and one outing in the Champions League this campaign.
Initially, optimism surrounded his return, with reports suggesting he could be back by early November. But in his recent press conference, Maresca admitted the situation is more complex than expected.
“I was wrong about Cole’s timeline,” Maresca confessed. “He needs another six weeks. We’re doing everything to protect him, but the most important thing is that when he’s back, he’s 100% ready. Our medical team are working step by step — and we believe he’ll come back stronger.”
The update dashed earlier hopes of a swift recovery, with Palmer now unlikely to feature before late November.
Palmer’s Impatient Message to Fans

Despite the setback, Palmer returned to Cobham Training Centre on Tuesday for a special moment — celebrating 100 appearances for Chelsea since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. The midfielder proudly shared the occasion on Instagram, posting, “100 & more to come! Can’t wait to be back, man.”
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His words immediately lifted spirits among supporters, though sources quickly clarified that Palmer’s appearance at the training ground did not mean he had resumed full training. According to the Daily Mail, the star was only undergoing indoor rehabilitation work, stepping outside briefly for the commemorative photo.
While fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action, Palmer’s determination and positivity continue to inspire belief that he’ll return sharper than ever.
Boost for Chelsea: Delap Nears Return

Chelsea did, however, receive some good news on the injury front. Forward Liam Delap has resumed full training and is set to make the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup clash against Wolves.
“Yes, he took part in the full session,” Maresca confirmed. “He’s not ready for 90 minutes yet, but it’s great to have him back. He’s been out for two months, so we’ll ease him in carefully.”
Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town in the summer, picked up an injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham back in August. His return offers much-needed depth to the Blues’ attack during a hectic run of fixtures.
A Demanding Run Ahead for the Blues

Chelsea face a packed schedule leading up to the November international break, with fixtures coming thick and fast. After facing Wolves in the Carabao Cup, they take on Tottenham Hotspur away in a tough Premier League test on November 1. That’s followed by a Champions League meeting with Qarabag FK and another league clash — once again against Wolves — at Stamford Bridge.
As the Blues battle through injuries and fixture congestion, fans will be eagerly awaiting the day their creative spark, Cole Palmer, steps back onto the pitch. His impatience to return is shared by the entire Chelsea faithful — and when he does, Stamford Bridge is sure to erupt.
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