The 23-year-old forward has not featured since September 20, when he was forced off during a match due to a recurrence of an issue that first appeared during Chelsea’s shortened pre-season. The injury followed the club’s extended schedule after their Club World Cup triumph.

Palmer has made only three Premier League appearances so far this season, a frustrating blow as he looks to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Initially, Chelsea had hoped resting Palmer before the international break would allow him to return in November. However, speaking in a press conference on Friday, Maresca admitted the club’s medical team had revised the recovery timeline.

“I was wrong,” Maresca said. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update.”

Despite the setback, the Chelsea boss remains optimistic that Palmer will not require surgery.

“We try to protect Cole as much as we can,” Maresca added. “The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit. The medical staff are not magicians. We hope six weeks are enough, but we’ll take it step-by-step. For sure, he’s going to be OK.”

Read Also: No Surgery Planned for Injured Cole Palmer, Maresca Confirms

Palmer, who scored 15 Premier League goals last season, is said to be handling the situation well.

“He looks relaxed,” Maresca noted. “He’s doing all the therapy and working hard on his recovery.”

Maresca acknowledged that Palmer’s absence will be keenly felt, especially with a packed fixture schedule ahead.

“To replace Cole is difficult, because he’s a very important player for us – probably one of the best in the Premier League,” he said. “We don’t have another player like him. Cole is unique.”

Source: The Nation