Maresca gives date for Cole Palmer’s scan and potential return for vital attacker

The most exciting thing to happen in Chelsea news today was Cole Palmer being a surprise omission from Chelsea’s squad.

Before kick off manager Enzo Maresca gave us an indication of what was wrong (in a slightly bizarre way), and after full time he gave more details about the problem and a prospective return date to the Match of the day interviewers:

“The feeling is that he can be back after the international break. For sure [he won’t play for England] because he is injured and he didn’t play today,” the manager said.

“He needs a scan. It is planned for tomorrow. I hope (he can be back after the international break). But we need to wait for the scan.”

In his press conference comments afterwards he said similar things, going step further to admit it wasn’t a bad time for Palmer to pick up a minor issue:

“I don’t think so [be available for England]. It was from yesterday, a muscle problem. We don’t wish a player to be injured but in Cole’s moment, it could be good to give him a rest. He needs a scan. The scan is planned for Monday, tomorrow. I hope so [he will be back after the international break] but we will have to see. It’s a muscle problem.”

Chelsea need more than just a positive scan for Palmer

Cole Palmer looks rueful after missing his first penalty for Chelsea. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

Getting Palmer back from injury is just the start. We then need Palmer back to form, and even that won’t be enough on its own. We’re a total shambles in attack since Christmas, only winning games when we’re playing really dire opposition or sides with a fraction of our budget. These problems started while Palmer was fit, and won’t be immediately fixed by his return.

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