COLE PALMER is set to face another six weeks sidelined by injury.
The Chelsea star, 23, has been struggling with a persistent groin issue this term.
Palmer limped off just 20 minutes into his side’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 20.
Boss Enzo Maresca previously claimed that the Blues were targeting a November return for their No10.
But the Italian, 45, has now rowed back on his previous statement.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Maresca said: “I was wrong.
“Unfortunately, he needs to be out for six more weeks.”
Maresca also previously claimed that Palmer would NOT require surgery on the issue.
Quizzed if that was still the case, the Chelsea manager added: “Yes, absolutely [no surgery]. We just try to protect Cole as much as we can.
“The medical (staff) are not magicians. We hope six weeks are enough. It’s a problem we need to see step by step, week after week.
“But for sure, he will be okay. He looks very good, relaxed. He is trying to recover. He is doing all that he needs to do.”
MORE TO FOLLOW…
Matches Palmer is set to miss
October 18 – Nottingham Forest (a)
October 22 – Ajax (h)
October 25 – Sunderland (h)
October 29 – Wolves (a)
November 1 – Chelsea (h)
November 5 – Qarabag (a)
November 8 – Wolves (h)
November 22 – Burnley (a)
November 25 – Barcelona (h)
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