Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will be rested for the next two to three weeks in order to protect him from aggravating his injury further.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Brighton, Maresca provided clarity on Palmer’s situation and explained why the decision was made.

Maresca said: “We decided to protect a little bit Cole in terms of his injuries not getting worse. We decided to rest him for the next two or three weeks before the international break to see if he can recover 100% and be fully fit from the international break.”

Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, and fans were naturally concerned about the possibility of surgery.

However, Maresca reassured supporters that the issue is being carefully managed without the need for an operation.

He said: “I don’t think he needs surgery. It’s a matter of managing his pain in his groin, with the amount of games, it is something that can happen.”

This update means Palmer will miss a handful of fixtures before the international break, but the priority is to have him fully recovered and available for the run-in.

Chelsea’s medical team, together with Maresca, have taken the cautious approach—choosing long-term fitness over short-term availability.

The Blues now face the challenge of maintaining their attacking edge without their talisman.