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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg

Cole Palmer out for six more weeks, raising doubts over World Cup spot

Cole Palmer does his trademark cold celebration after scoring before it was disallowed after a VAR review during the Champions League match between Bayern and Chelsea
Cole Palmer has played only four matches for Chelsea this season. Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP

Enzo Maresca has said Cole Palmer will miss another six weeks with a groin injury, raising doubts over whether the Chelsea forward will be able to regain his England place before the 2026 World Cup.

Palmer, who has been unavailable during the past two international breaks, has been struggling with his fitness since the start of the season and has not played since limping off against Manchester United last month. Chelsea have tried to manage the 23-year-old’s groin injury with rest and are confident it does not need surgery but Maresca has dashed hopes of his most influential player making a swift return.

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