Liverpool’s meeting with Chelsea this weekend has gained extra weight after Enzo Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer will miss out through a groin problem. The influential playmaker is sidelined until after the international break, removing one of the Blues’ most reliable attacking outlets for the Stamford Bridge showdown.
Speaking to reporters (via Anfield Index), Maresca said the club had chosen a cautious route: “We’ve decided to protect Cole by resting him for two to three weeks so he can fully recover. He doesn’t need surgery — it’s just about managing the pain.”
Palmer’s absence leaves Chelsea without their chief creative threat, especially from set-pieces, and comes amid further issues with Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Dario Essugo all injured, plus Trevoh Chalobah suspended. It’s a situation Liverpool could look to exploit after consecutive losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray showed the need for a strong response.
Mohamed Salah, benched in midweek, is expected to return to the starting lineup, while fitness updates on Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa suggest Arne Slot’s squad may be reinforced. With Alexander Isak also pushing for minutes, the Reds have options to reset momentum.
Liverpool have already shown under Slot that they can regroup quickly, and with Chelsea depleted, this could be the perfect chance to turn a tough week into a statement performance.
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