Revealed: When Cole Palmer should return from niggling groin injury as Chelsea talisman faces missing out on another England squad despite avoiding surgery

Palmer was ruled out of Chelsea's match against West Ham in August after aggravating the injury during the warm-up. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca stated that his key man had been experiencing a groin problem for several days and the decision was made not to risk him worsening it. This was considered a precautionary measure at the time, but further concerns were raised when he was forced off after only 20 minutes in the Blues’ defeat by Manchester United last month. Initial scans were positive, but fears are growing that it could become a chronic problem. Adding to the worry, during celebrations after Chelsea's victory against Liverpool, team-mate Jorrel Hato playfully jumped into the attacker. Palmer appeared to react with discomfort, clutching his groin. While the incident has not worsened his injury, it highlighted his ongoing pain and fuelled fan anxiety about his recovery timeline. However, it has now been reported in the Daily Mail that his absence will last weeks, not months.

Ahead of the Wales friendly, England boss Thomas Tuchel said: "He was only in the June camp, that is concerning, of course. First of all, the most important thing is that he can play without pain, because the groin issue is a very dangerous one to become chronic. This is the most important thing. When he's fit and when he has rhythm and flow, he can decide matches on club level and, for sure, on international level. We know that. There is also with him no problem at all (for me). We clearly understand and see the potential and the quality, but there is also a reality that he was not available in five of the (last) seven camps, so right now there are two camps left before the World Cup." 

Chelsea’s first game back after the international break is away at Nottingham Forest on October 18th, but Tuchel is doubtful Palmer will be fit for that one. He added: "It would surprise me this time if he was able to play."

The BBC reports that Palmer is expected to be back to full fitness in early November, when Chelsea face Tottenham on the first day of the month. That means he is set to miss the upcoming games against Nottingham Forest, Ajax, Sunderland and Wolves, but he remains in contention for the England squad for the Three Lions' final two World Cup qualifiers in mid-November. That will be welcome news to both the player and his country, after Tuchel suggested his chances of being included in his World Cup squad have been affected by his fitness issues.

In the meantime, Palmer has moved to trademark to his 'Cold Palmer' nickname and celebration with the UK government's Intellectual Property Office, and that application was approved on Friday. It grants the England international the exclusive legal rights to the term 'Cold Palmer'. The registration lasts until November 25, 2034, when it can be renewed again for further 10-year periods. The 23-year-old's application includes an extensive list of products he intends to sell using the trademarked term. This includes: soaps, bath salts, snacks, razor blades, phone covers, drones, underwater vehicles, stationery, Christmas crackers and teddy bears.