Chelsea Optimistic on Palmer's Return for Barcelona Clash

Chelsea are optimistic that star midfielder Cole Palmer will return from a persistent groin injury in time for their Champions League clash with Barcelona on November 25 or the subsequent Premier League fixture against Arsenal on November 30.

The 23-year-old England international has been sidelined since aggravating the issue during Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on September 20. The problem, which first emerged during the club's FIFA Club World Cup campaign over the summer, has restricted Palmer to just three Premier League appearances this season. He started the opening match against Crystal Palace and scored as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Brentford in September before his early exit at Old Trafford after 21 minutes. Chelsea's medical team opted to withdraw him from the squad in October for a structured recovery period, avoiding any rush that could lead to further setbacks, and surgery was not pursued.

Palmer has now resumed light training at the club's Cobham facility, gradually increasing his workload without reported complications. Manager Enzo Maresca indicated last month that the player faced around six more weeks out from mid-October, aligning with a...