Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirms Cole Palmer out of Fulham clash with Alejandro Garnacho deal edging closer

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will miss this weekend's Premier League game against Fulham because the England international - also left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for the forthcoming international fixtures - continues to suffer from a groin problem. The Italian also hinted that a deal to sign Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho was close.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will miss Chelsea’s Premier League game with Fulham this weekend, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Chelsea have won one and drawn one in their start to the season. They were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace, but then demolished West Ham away 5-1 last Friday.

The FIFA Club World Cup winners are in the middle of a four-match run of London derbies in the league, and at the start of Maresca’s press conference ahead of the weekend, he confirmed that Palmer was still suffering the effects of a groin injury.

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Palmer was not part of the squad for their recent success against their cross-town rivals, and Maresca said that he hoped the team would continue to manage without their talisman, who scored 18 goals last season.

He said: "When Cole is not in the game, we need to find different solutions. Hopefully, tomorrow we can do the same."

Palmer has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the forthcoming international break, and Maresca was unable to give any details about when he would be expected back for first-team action.

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The Italian also added that Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile were out through injury, though he thought they would not be back until after the internationals coming up.

He continued: "Cole, we need to see day by day. Romeo and Benoit, I don't think they will be back after the international break, but they will be closer.

"I spoke with Thomas a few times. It's Thomas' decision. He's not available tomorrow so it is quite normal that he has shown he has some problems."

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Video credit: SNTV

Maresca hints Garnacho deal almost done

Chelsea are expected to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United before the end of the transfer window, with a fee of between £35 million to £40m mentioned.

Speaking to the press, he hinted that the Argentine was at the Chelsea training ground.

He explained: "I know he is around here. It's quite clear his position is a winger and I see him as a winger."

Discussing other transfers, he would not rule out further signings or exits, with Raheem Sterling among several players still expected to leave.

He said: "You can expect anything with the transfer window open - anything can happen in and out.

"I joined the club one year ago, saying I was in love with the squad and it has got better. The feeling is the same."

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