Chelsea were described as “Cole Palmer FC” during his sensational first season at Stamford Bridge under Mauricio Pochettino.
Since Enzo Maresca took charge, Palmer has remained Chelsea’s standout attacker. He won player of the tournament as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup and was man of the match in the 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final.
Palmer will miss matches against Burnley, Barcelona and Arsenal, with doubts over his availability for the following fixtures against Leeds, Bournemouth and Atalanta.
The injury is understood not to be serious, but his bone will need time to heal. There are hopes he is over the worst of a recurring groin problem.
Palmer has played only four matches this season and has not featured since being substituted after 21 minutes in the defeat at Manchester United on 20 September.
However, Chelsea have won eight of their 11 matches without him, drawing one and losing two.
Players such as Estevao Willian, Facundo Buonanotte, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro have stepped in during his absence.
How should Maresca best continue to cover Palmer in the upcoming key games? Have your say here
