Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed Cole Palmer will be out for another six weeks with injury.
The 23 year old has been struggling for some time with a groin injury that has left him sidelined.
Palmer's last appeared in their 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 20, that saw two red card dismissals.
He hardly made an impact though, after limping off 20 minutes in.
Maresca had previously stated the club were hopeful for a November return for the winger, however he has retracted that statement.
Speaking to the media ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest, the Italian said: "I was wrong. Unfortunately, he has to be out probably six more weeks."
"We are trying just to protect Cole as much as we can and the most important thing is that when he comes back, he is fully fit."
The Chelsea boss was asked whether or not they've found the real injury issue, which he confirmed they had, and said Palmer won't need surgery.
"The medical staff are not magicians"
"You probably need six weeks. We hope that six weeks is enough, but it's a problem we need to see step-by-step, week after week."
Maresca gave some positive reinforcement however, saying that Palmer is doing well and is relaxed as he recovers.
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