Glenn Hoddle has warned Cole Palmer’s groin injury is a ‘massive problem’ that will ‘tale a long time to recover’ from.
Palmer has been limited to just two starting appearances in the Premier League this term with a groin problem that has so far derailed his season.
After starting against Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season, the former Manchester City star withdrew from the next game against West Ham shortly before kick-off.
He returned off the bench with a goal against Brentford in September, starting and scoring four days later against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. But the problem struck again against Manchester United, coming off after 20 minutes having not featured since.
Chelsea opted to pull Palmer out of the firing line at the start of the month, giving him time to rest and recover with hope he could be back after the international break. But Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday it will be at least another six weeks before he is back.
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Wirth Palmer missing Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, former Chelsea star Hoddle explained he dealt with a similar injury in his playing days, admitting you ‘never quite know’ when you are back to full fitness.
‘He is a top quality player, he is one England will be talking about for being the no10 when he is 100 per fit,’ Hoddle told TNT Sports ahead of kick-off.
‘But a groin problem is a massive problem. I had that way back when I was younger and it took a long time to recover.
‘You never quite know with a groin and when it’s perfect until you get out there and play and that’s the problem. But they still have some talent.’
Talk of a title challenge at Stamford Bridge picked up once again following the victory over champions Liverpool before the international break with victory over Forest taking them back into the top four.
While convinced things are falling into place, Hoddle believes there needs to be ‘more stability at the back’ before Chelsea can be called true title challengers.
‘I don’t think they are quite ready yet to challenge,’ Hoddle said. ‘Two years’ time I think this will be a Chelsea team that can contend for the title.
‘At the moment, they win some cups but they have got big stepping stones to get themselves in that position.
‘They have got some great players. I just think if they get a bit of stability at the back they will be a real threat.’