Things just went from bad to worse for Chelsea when it comes to the injury front. The Blues have been dealing with fitness issues since the start of the campaign and that is one of the primary reasons why they have not been able to find their best form and build on their positive end to their previous season, having won the Club World Cup. And unfortunately, their problems do not seem to be getting any better.
Of course, Levi Colwill's ACL injury has left them in a terrible position defensively, after he was not replaced, while their squad is filled with a number of other injury-prone centre-backs. On the other hand, the situation of Cole Palmer is starting to look worrying as well.
He had to be taken off in the first half against Manchester United and has not featured since. Initally, the hope was that Palmer would be back in late October or early November. But now, it looks like he might not be back until December.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Palmer needs six more weeks on the sidelines. As reported by BBC Sport, the Chelsea manager said about the situation:
"I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update."
'Six more weeks' - Enzo Maresca confirms worrying Chelsea injury news
This absence has to do with a groin issue that has been affecting Palmer since last season. He had returned from it once but was probably pushed a bit too early, playing three times in the space of a week.
Palmer is Chelsea's most important player. He is the one who can make things happen when a game is tight or the team needs a bit of inspiration, just like he did in the Conference League final or the Club World Cup.
So, six more weeks without Palmer means that Chelsea will be without their talisman for a number of important games. That won't help their chances of rediscovering their form, that is for sure.