Chelsea are without Cole Palmer for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, with Enzo Maresca suggesting the playmaker is likely to be out until after the international break.
Palmer has been ever-present for Chelsea in the league this season, starting each of their first 28 games, and played 45 minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute in the Conference League victory over Copenhagen in midweek.
However, an unspecified injury issue means he will play no part at the Emirates in what is a crucial game in the race for the Champions League.
"He had, or as we know, last week some problems [with illness]. And unfortunately yesterday he had a very small problem,” Maresca said. “We think, after the international break, he will be back with us.
“He had an injury yesterday during the session. It was a very light session. That’s why we think it is nothing important. But we wait and the feeling is he will be back after the next international break.”
Palmer also missed the same fixture last season, with Chelsea going on to lose 5-0 in what was their only league defeat among Mauricio Pochettino’s last 15 games in charge.
The 22-year-old’s absence is a major blow to Maresca, even considering his dramatic dip in form over the last two months.
Palmer is in the midst of a 10-game goal drought across competitions, the worst such run of his Chelsea career, and has not registered an assist since December 1.
Speaking ahead of the Arsenal contest, Maresca confirmed that the problem is not serious and suggested Palmer should be fit to return when the Blues host Tottenham on April 3.
However, the former Manchester City man would now appear to be a major doubt for England’s games against Albania and Latvia this month, having been named in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad on Friday.
