London, September 26, 2025 – On the eve of Chelsea’s must-win Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, manager Enzo Maresca has delivered yet another crushing blow: star playmaker Cole Palmer is sidelined with a lingering groin problem, his third setback in as many weeks.
The 23-year-old No. 10, who only months ago inspired Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, will miss tomorrow’s match and possibly more. Maresca broke the news at Cobham, admitting: “Cole’s situation is heartbreaking. No surgery, thankfully, but he needs proper recovery. He’ll sit out Brighton, and maybe longer.”
Palmer’s troubles began in pre-season and worsened after a brief cameo at Old Trafford, where he limped off after just 21 minutes. His absence has rocked both the squad and the fanbase—supporters flooded X with despair under #ProtectPalmer and #MarescaOut, mourning the loss of last season’s talisman who delivered 22 goals, 11 assists, and even a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Adding to Chelsea’s woes, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez—already under fire for his red-card meltdown against Manchester United—has picked up a minor hamstring knock. Though his suspension ends tomorrow, Maresca hinted he may turn to understudy Filip Jørgensen, raising fresh doubts ahead of kickoff.
Injuries have compounded a turbulent campaign. With Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Romeo Lavia also out, Maresca may be forced to rely on summer signings João Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho, and youngster Facundo Buonanotte, who starred with a midweek hat-trick in the Carabao Cup.
Brighton, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a 6-0 cup win but remain winless away from home. The Seagulls will be eager for revenge after Chelsea poached Pedro and Buonanotte in big-money deals, adding spice to an already charged fixture.
For Chelsea, the stakes are clear: victory could propel them to fifth, while defeat risks widening the gap to Arsenal and Manchester City. Stamford Bridge will roar in hope, but without Palmer pulling the strings, Maresca faces his sternest test yet.
