Thomas Tuchel has brought Chelsea fans back down to earth with an update on Cole Palmer that doesn't look promising in the slightest. The Blues are celebrating a 2-1 win over Liverpool just days before the international break that has got the season back on track.
Palmer has been sidelined with a groin injury since the end of September and has only made three league appearances this season as a result. He hasn't joined up with Tuchel's squad for England's fixtures during the break against Wales (October 9) and Latvia (October 14).
Enzo Maresca will want to keep the momentum going when his side return from international duty. But it seems he'll still be without Palmer once his men are back in action.
Tuchel's worrying Palmer update
Tuchel is said to have expressed concern over Palmer's chronic groin injury and would be "very surprised" if he is fit to face Nottingham Forest. Ange Postecoglou's struggling Tricky Trees visit Stamford Bridge on October 18.
Matt Law delved into Tuchel's assessment and it seems as though there is a real concern over the situation. He wrote:
"Tuchel said, I'll be very surprised if Cole plays the next Chelsea game. Said it's a chronic groin injury first of all & in his mind ruled him out vs Forest. The club aren't giving details. Looks & sounds worrying to me. Tuchel's language particularly worrying."
Palmer's last appearance for the Blues was when he sustained the injury in a 2-1 loss to Manchester United on September 20. He has not been in action since and it seems he will be on the sidelines for the Forest game.
Estêvão is ready to step up in Palmer's absence
Estevao may just be the answer to Maresca's Palmer dilemma given the Brazilian's stunning last-gasp winner in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool last weekend. The bridge shook with joy when the 18-year-old pounced from close range to secure a vital win against the struggling Premier League champions.
The teenage wonderkid has displayed the right mentality and is surely in Maresca's thinking for a regular starting role especially in the absence of Palmer. He's hinted that he'd be prepared to perform any role asked of him (via Sport Witness):
“In Chelsea it’s been very frequent [changing positions]. Maresca always tries to get the best out of me. Even in training he’s been putting me in different attacking roles so I can have more repertoire, more game awareness. In the last match against Liverpool I came on as a winger. And in the last Champions League game I played through the middle.”
He added:
“I’m open to various options on the pitch. Whatever position is available, I’ll do it, inside or out wide.”
Sometimes youth from abroad, especially outside of Europe, need time to adapt but Estevao looks the real deal. He has been called up for Brazil's international fixtures this week which might be something Maresca considers due to travelling but a start against Forest would be more than deserved.