Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is unlikely to undergo groin surgery despite recent fitness concerns, according to the club’s head coach Enzo Maresca, who provided an encouraging update ahead of the team’s upcoming Premier League fixtures. The English international, who emerged as Chelsea’s standout performer last season, has been managing discomfort in his groin, sparking concerns over a possible long-term layoff.
Palmer, who joined the Blues from Manchester City in a deal worth around £42.5 million in 2023, has quickly become a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s attacking setup. His explosive rise, which saw him end the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with 22 goals and 11 assists, placed him firmly among the league’s top performers and earned him a regular spot in the England national team.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference at Cobham, Maresca clarified that while Palmer had been dealing with some groin discomfort, medical assessments indicated that surgery would not be necessary at this stage. The Italian tactician stressed that the club’s medical staff are closely monitoring the situation and are confident that with proper rest and physiotherapy, Palmer can return to full fitness without the need for invasive procedures.
“There were initial fears that it could be something that might require surgical intervention,” Maresca admitted. “But after further evaluations, the medical team believes it can be managed conservatively. Cole is responding well to treatment and we are taking it day by day.”
This development comes as a relief for Chelsea fans, especially as the West London side prepares for a packed fixture list and aims to improve on last season’s sixth-place league finish.
Palmer’s creative spark and clinical finishing were central to Chelsea’s resurgence under interim and later permanent management. With Maresca now at the helm full-time, continuity and player fitness are seen as key to pushing the team back into top-four contention.
Palmer, who was also part of England’s Euro 2024 squad, played a heavy schedule throughout the year, which may have contributed to the strain. While he is expected to miss a few training sessions as a precaution, he remains in good spirits and is keen to rejoin full team activities as soon as possible.
Chelsea’s backroom staff, under the direction of Maresca, are said to be adopting a cautious but optimistic approach, preferring rest and progressive rehabilitation over immediate surgical options, especially given Palmer’s importance to the team’s long-term plans.
As it stands, barring any setbacks, Cole Palmer is expected to remain a vital part of Chelsea’s attacking engine this season, with hopes high that he can continue his impressive form without the interruption of surgery or extended time on the sidelines.
