Palmer out until November with groin strain, Chelsea says

Cole Palmer is expected to be sidelined until November with a strained groin, Chelsea said, prolonging an absence that began after he was substituted early in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 20. The 23 year old has not played since and will miss Chelsea's return after the international break as the club manages his recovery without surgery.

Club sources and the manager, Enzo Maresca, described the injury as a groin strain that requires conservative treatment rather than an operation. Maresca told reporters that he did not believe surgery was necessary and that the priority was "managing the pain in his groin" and protecting the player from the demands of a congested schedule. The club has said the timetable is measured in weeks, not months, and a November return is the likeliest outcome.

Concern among supporters intensified after televised footage from Chelsea's 2-1 win over Liverpool showed team-mate Jorrel Hato leap onto Palmer on the touchline and Palmer appearing to clutch his groin. The clip prompted social media speculation that the incident had aggravated the problem. Club staff and fuller footage reviewed afterward indicated the contact was innocuous and...