Maresca clarifies Chelsea star’s absence for Champions League clash – and gives update on Delap

Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer will miss Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Atalanta as he manages the forward’s return from injury.

Palmer missed two months with a groin injury and then a fractured toe, before returning in the defeat to Leeds last week.

The 23-year-old has not travelled to Italy with the rest of the squad and Maresca says it is because he is not yet fit enough to play games in quick succession.

“Cole, it is part of his process in this moment,” the Italian explained. “He’s not available, he can’t play two games in a row in three days. So we’ve planned that and it’s just a way to protect him.

Maresca also provided an update on Liam Delap, who is set for another spell on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder in the goalless draw with Bournemouth on Saturday.

“Liam, fortunately he’s not got any fracture,” Maresca said. “That is good news for us. Now for how long he will be out, not sure to be honest.”