Chelsea Players Injury Update: Cole Palmer Ruled Out as Maresca Confirms Mixed News

Chelsea have received a crucial injury update ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday, 27 September 2025. Head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that star playmaker Cole Palmer will miss the game and remain sidelined until after the upcoming international break due to a groin problem.

The update brings both setbacks and positives for Chelsea fans. While Palmer’s absence is a major blow, there is encouraging news regarding other injured players returning to training or nearing full fitness.

Enzo Maresca Confirms Key Chelsea Injury News

In Friday’s pre-match press conference, Maresca shared that Cole Palmer will be unavailable for the Brighton match and other fixtures before the October international break. The coach said the club decided to rest Palmer for two to three weeks to prevent his groin injury from worsening. Importantly, surgery will not be required, but the staff want him fully fit when club football resumes after the break.

Maresca told reporters: “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. I don’t think he needs surgery. It’s a matter of managing his pain in his groin with the amount of games.”

The Chelsea boss also revealed updates on other key squad members. Defender Tosin Adarabioyo is out until the international break due to a calf issue. Wesley Fofana suffered a concussion in the recent EFL Cup tie against Lincoln and is unavailable this weekend. However, there is positive news for Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile, as both have returned to training and could feature against Brighton.

This update was reported by multiple trusted outlets, including Football.London and BBC Sport, confirming Chelsea’s current squad situation.

What It Means for Chelsea Ahead of Brighton and Beyond

The absence of Cole Palmer is a significant setback. The 23-year-old, who recently finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or, has been Chelsea’s most creative and reliable attacking outlet. His absence will test the squad’s depth as they prepare for an important run of fixtures.

Chelsea face Brighton in the Premier League this weekend before hosting Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on 1 October and then taking on Liverpool in another big league clash on 4 October. Without Palmer, Maresca will rely on players like Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku to lead the attack.

The potential return of Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile is timely. Lavia could strengthen Chelsea’s midfield options, while Badiashile’s availability will help solidify the defense, especially with Tosin and Fofana unavailable. This mixed injury picture shows that Chelsea’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks.

Chelsea players injury update shows a mix of setbacks and positives. Palmer’s absence hurts, but the possible return of Lavia and Badiashile offers hope. Maresca will need his squad to step up during this challenging period.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long will Cole Palmer be out?

Palmer is expected to miss two to three weeks and return after the October international break.

Q2: Which Chelsea defenders are injured?

Tosin Adarabioyo has a calf issue, and Wesley Fofana is out with a concussion.

Q3: Are any Chelsea players returning from injury?

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile have returned to training and could feature soon.

Q4: Will Cole Palmer need surgery?

No. Maresca confirmed Palmer’s groin issue does not require surgery, just rest and pain management.

Q5: Which matches will Palmer miss?

He will miss games against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool before the break.