Chelsea Faces Tough Call Over Palmer Groin Issue, Surgery Considered Among Options
Chelsea are weighing three possible strategies to address Cole Palmer’s persistent groin injury, with surgery now a potential, though unlikely, path. The club’s medical team, coaching staff, and Palmer himself are reportedly in talks over how best to manage his condition.
Palmer was forced off just 20 minutes into Chelsea’s recent Premier League clash at Old Trafford, reigniting concerns over a groin issue that had already troubled him earlier this season.
Since the start of the season, Chelsea have attempted to manage the problem conservatively, allowing Palmer to play through periods of discomfort. But after his early substitution, it’s clear that continued management may no longer suffice.
Sources suggest the club is deliberating among three approaches:
Continue conservative management, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and cautious match involvement.
Rest him for several weeks, removing him from match action (2, 3 or even 4 weeks) to provide more recovery time.
Surgery, the most drastic option, which could potentially address the issue definitively but comes with greater risk and recovery time.
Experts and insiders note that surgical intervention is currently the least favored option, given Chelsea’s investment in non-operative management and the potential impact of an abrupt shift in treatment strategy.
Club statements suggest Palmer’s condition is being assessed “day by day,” with no final decision yet on surgery.
If the conservative route fails to improve his condition, Chelsea may be forced to accept downtime for Palmer in exchange for long-term stability. Whatever path they choose, Palmer’s involvement in the decision will be crucial, as his input on symptoms and performance could tip the balance.