Cole Palmer’s Groin Issue ‘Makes No Sense’, Says Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted that Cole Palmer’s ongoing groin problem “makes no sense” and has expressed hope that it will not become an issue Chelsea are forced to manage for the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old is expected to start Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Everton, having been rested for Chelsea’s midweek Champions League defeat to Atalanta.

Palmer has largely recovered from a freak toe injury sustained at home in November, but Maresca revealed that the England international has experienced fluctuating discomfort in recent training sessions.

“It’s the groin,” Maresca explained. “Hopefully it’s not something we have to manage all season, but it’s day by day. Some days he feels better, some days worse.

“For example, after the Leeds game he felt completely bad the day after and only played half an hour. After Bournemouth, he felt OK and played an hour. There’s no real logic to it — it’s how he feels on the day.”

When questioned on the seriousness of the issue, Maresca added that surgery has never been discussed.

“No-one has mentioned surgery,” he said.

Fitness concerns across the squad

Chelsea currently have several players who lack the match fitness required to play every three days, including Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia. Asked whether Palmer now falls into that category, Maresca was unequivocal.

“At the moment, absolutely yes,” he said.

Palmer’s fitness situation comes during a World Cup season, with fierce competition for places in England’s squad — particularly in the No.10 role. England manager Thomas Tuchel recently confirmed that he will select only two players for that position.

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers started England’s World Cup qualifying victories over Serbia and Albania, while Phil Foden featured as a substitute in both matches. Eberechi Eze was deployed in a wide role.

Reece James midfield role continues

Chelsea captain Reece James, typically a right-back and previously used in that role by Tuchel at international level, has recently featured in midfield. He completed 90 minutes in that position against both Bournemouth and Atalanta.

When asked whether James could start a third consecutive match, Maresca replied:
“Could be, yes.”

Pressed on whether the decision was driven by necessity, he added:
“We need Reece — not only in this game, but in all games.”

James’ midfield role has been influenced by Moisés Caicedo serving a three-match suspension, which concludes after Saturday’s match, as well as Lavia’s ongoing injury.

Maresca defends rotation policy

Maresca also defended Chelsea’s rotation strategy, which has been criticised during the club’s current four-match winless run. Chelsea have made more than 100 starting XI changes this season.

“If you look at our starting XI in games like Arsenal, Barcelona, Atalanta, Tottenham and Wolves at home, it’s the same eight or nine players,” Maresca said.

“Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernández, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Pedro Neto, João Pedro, Malo Gusto and Reece James — they always play.

“If you look at Bournemouth and then Atalanta, you might say there were five changes, but the same eight or nine players are always there.

“This season is a marathon, not a sprint. If you use the same players every time, you will struggle with fitness and keeping them healthy.”