Chelsea star Palmer ruled out for another six weeks while defender is set to be sidelined until December

Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer is set to be out for six more weeks because of a groin injury.

The attacking midfielder has been struggling with the problem all season and has missed the last two Premier League games.

Maresca had hoped to welcome him back after the international break but now says he is set for a longer spell out.

“I was wrong, unfortunately, he needs to be out for six more weeks,” the Blues boss said. “So, yes, this is the update.”

Maresca says Palmer does not require surgery but wants to give him enough time to fully recover.

“We try to protect Cole as much as we can,” he said. “It is important when he comes back he is fully fit.

“But the medical staff are not magicians. You need six weeks and we hope six weeks will be enough. A problem we need to see step by step, week by week.”

On the task of replacing Palmer, Maresca continued: “To replace Cole, it is difficult. Cole is a very important player for us. One of the best players in Premier league so he is always difficult to replace.

“With what we have it depends on gameplan. Against Liverpool it was [Malo] Gusto. Against Benfica it was Enzo [Fernandez].

“We have to find another player with different qualities because we don’t have a player like Cole – he is unique.”

More bad injury news for Chelsea

Chelsea have been dealt further injury blows ahead of the game against Nottingham Forest.

Maresca says Benoit Badiashile is set to be out until December with a muscle problem.

“Benoit [Badiashile] is out until December, it is a muscular problem,” he said. “He was doing fantastic and showing why we need him, but we wait for him.”

Levi Colwill and Liam Delap also remain out, while Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto are doubts for the weekend.

He said: “Moises [Caicedo], Enzo, Pedro [Neto], we will see if they can train today otherwise they will be out tomorrow. [Reece James] is fully fit.”