Chelsea's promising midfielder, Cole Palmer, will be out of action for up to three weeks as he continues to manage a persistent groin injury. The 20-year-old was forced off during the first half of last weekend's defeat at Manchester United after the issue reoccurred. Initially, the injury flared up during Chelsea's shortened two-week pre-season following their Club World Cup victory in July.

Enzo Maresca's side faces a challenging schedule with upcoming Premier League matches against Brighton and Liverpool, as well as a Champions League clash against Jose Mourinho's Benfica before the international break in October.

"Yes, we decided to protect Cole a little bit, in terms of not letting his injury get worse," said Maresca. "We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100% and be fit after the international break. I don't think he needs surgery, but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him."

Palmer has started just three of Chelsea's seven matches so far this season and missed England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia earlier this month. The Three Lions play Wales in a friendly on 9 October before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier five days later.

In addition to Palmer's absence, Maresca will also be without Tosin Adarabioyo until after the international break due to a calf injury. Defender Wesley Fofana will miss Saturday's game against Brighton with concussion.

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