Chelsea are reportedly optimistic that Cole Palmer will make a full recovery from his injury in time for their UEFA Champions League showdown with Barcelona.
The Blues believe the midfielder, who has been out of action since September, could return to the squad before the end of the month.
Hansi Flick’s side are set to visit Stamford Bridge on November 25, where they’ll face a Chelsea team that has maintained solid form even in Palmer’s absence.
According to The Daily Mail, via The Mirror, Palmer formerly of Manchester City is eager to feature in what would be a marquee European fixture.
However, the same report notes that Chelsea are being cautious with his rehabilitation, as the 22-year-old is seen as a vital figure for the rest of their campaign. The club is therefore reluctant to risk aggravating his injury by bringing him back too soon.
Palmer has missed Chelsea’s last 11 matches across all competitions due to a groin issue and has not featured since being forced off early in the Premier League defeat to Manchester United.
Before Chelsea’s recent Champions League trip to Azerbaijan, manager Enzo Maresca expressed confidence that Palmer could recover in time to face the Catalan giants later this month.
He said: “We hope so [he will be available vs Barca], but with Cole we try to plan, we try to schedule, you know, at the beginning. Then we need to review that.
“So in this moment we go day by day with Cole. He’s not taking any session with the team. And we have Benoit Badiashile that probably can be available after the international break and that is huge news for us.
“To be honest, I would like to have Cole here tomorrow. I would like to have Cole early. I said many times that we are a better team with Cole.
“Unfortunately for us, he’s out, he’s injured, but for sure we want him back very soon.”