Cole Palmer injury return timeline emerges after Chelsea star is spotted by fans

Cole Palmer has been photographed with supporters whilst out in Dubai as the Chelsea talisman continues his rehabilitation from a groin injury. The England forward is anticipated to remain sidelined until at least next month with surgery ruled out.

The problem has troubled the 23 year old since the beginning of the 2025/26 season, as he has managed just 140 minutes since September. In August, he was withdrawn from the starting line-up against West Ham United at the last minute, spending a further fortnight on the treatment table before making his comeback and netting from the substitutes' bench against Brentford last month.

Merely seven days after that, he was taken off early into the loss at Manchester United and has been absent for the subsequent four fixtures.

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Enzo Maresca dismissed any possibility of his involvement in this past weekend's victory over Liverpool without hesitation, and his candid assessment indicates he may still be unavailable following the October international break.

"Cole is still out," he confessed last Friday. "I don't have any updates at the moment. We have a meeting this week to see how he is, and we will then decide [whether he can return after the international break]."

Whilst numerous Chelsea colleagues have been travelling over recent days for international commitments, Palmer has also seemingly left west London lately.

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Several photographs of the Chelsea talisman alongside supporters in Dubai have surfaced on social media. It remains uncertain why Palmer has journeyed to the Middle East, though theories suggest he may have been consulting a specialist. Alternatively, he could have been granted some time off following several weeks of being unable to train at Cobham.

The Daily Mailreports that whilst Palmer will be sidelined for weeks rather than months, a November comeback has become the anticipated timeframe with the issue not severe enough to require surgery.

Another fortnight-long domestic break is scheduled for that month, making it highly improbable that Palmer will be permitted to leave Chelsea and travel to St George's Park.

Remarks from Thomas Tuchel have also heightened concerns about his condition, with the England manager labelling his problem as "chronic".

Palmer has yet to receive a Three Lions call-up this season and that appears set to continue for the rest of 2025.

Given his influence in recent years, Chelsea will be eager to have Palmer back in action as quickly as possible, but not at the expense of causing permanent damage.

Despite not featuring in the triumph over Liverpool, Palmer was heavily engaged in the celebrations following their dramatic victory against the Premier League champions. After celebrating with match-winner Estevao Willian, Jorrel Hato leapt onto Palmer enthusiastically, causing the latter to instantly feel discomfort in his groin.

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