Enzo Maresca provides Chelsea injury update ahead of EFL Cup clash

Palmer still has a fitness issue ahead of the game.

Enzo Maresca has given a fresh injury update on Cole Palmer’s fitness status ahead of their EFL Cup game against Lincoln City.

Since preseason, the England international has suffered from a groin injury. Despite his best efforts to play, he was forced to be removed during a game when the pain resurfaced.

Cole Plamer injury update

Ahead of their Carabao Cup game, Enzo Maresca has revealed an update on Cole Palmer’s injury status, and it looks unlikely he will play against Lincoln City.

“Cole (Palmer) is probably the only one that we need to assess a little bit. He already made a huge effort last Saturday to play the game. He was not 100 per cent, but he wanted to be there to help his teammates.

“It was painful [for him], so we decided to change. We await day by day to see how he is and then decide what we do. The rest are OK, just recovering from last week.”

It is impossible to exaggerate Palmer’s significance to Chelsea. He has become their most creative spark since signing from Manchester City, providing goals and vision from the midfield. His early injury in the season here left Chelsea unable to coordinate their attacks.

Other players’ injury and fitness update

Not only Cole Palmer, but Chelsea are sweating on the fitness concerns of Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo after both stars have been overworked since the start of the season.

“Then we have some players who have had problems for a long time, like Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro. They are trying to manage it a little bit themselves.”

The Blues’ head coach also confirmed the recovery progress of Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia. Both stars are still recuperating from injuries. It remains to be seen how long it will take to return.

“Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are making positive progress, but they won’t be available.”

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