Jose Mourinho 'happy' about Cole Palmer's injury ahead of Chelsea return with Benfica as Portuguese coach reveals 'best thing' about going back to Stamford Bridge

Palmer will miss Chelsea’s next three games in all competitions against Brighton, Benfica and Liverpool in an attempt to recover from the groin injury which has plagued his 2025-26 season. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed earlier in the week that the Blues have decided to rest their star man after his groin complaint - which previously saw him miss Premier League games against West Ham and Fulham - flared up in his side’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United last weekend.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Brighton on Saturday, Maresca said: "Yes, we decided to protect a little bit Cole, in terms of not letting his injury get worse. We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100 per cent and to be fit after the international break. I don't think he needs surgery but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him.”

One man who is relieved Palmer will spend a short period on the sidelines is Mourinho, who is due to return to Chelsea with his new side Benfica. The 62-year-old, who was appointed by the Estadio da Luz club on September 18 following the dismissal of compatriot Bruno Lage, managed Chelsea between 2004 and 2007 and again between 2013 and 2015, winning eight major honours including three Premier League titles.

In quotes carried by Portuguese publication A Bola, Mourinho said of Palmer’s absence: “I'm happy. My Chelsea team was a winning machine, with a big investment, but a lot of ambition. Then they seemed to lose some direction, and it was tough for those who love the club. Enzo Maresca [Chelsea manager] arrived, and the puzzle is being completed piece by piece, and they won the Conference League. Now I think they have a good, good team, and if Cole Palmer isn't a problem for Chelsea [through injury], that's a big problem for me. If [Heorhiy] Sudakov or [Vangelis] Pavlidis don't play, that's a big problem for me.”

Mourinho also revealed what he will enjoy the most about returning to Chelsea, adding: "I'll see my son [Jose Mario Jr.], who's in London; that's the best thing. And if possible, I'll bring back the points we lost against Qarabag. But Chelsea is a fantastic club; they also lost their first game and need the points. I'm happy to be back.”

Mourinho has made a strong start since returning to the Benfica dugout earlier this month. Having first managed the Lisbon outfit in 2000, Mourinho has guided the club to wins against AVS and Gil Vicente and a draw against Rio Ave in his first three matches in charge. A huge week awaits for Mourinho and Benfica as they travel to fierce rivals Porto next Sunday, five days after their trip to Chelsea in the Champions League. Benfica lost their Champions League opener after they threw away a two-goal lead in their shock 3-2 defeat against Azerbaijani side Qarabag on September 16. Mourinho’s predecessor, Lage, was sacked following the result.

Chelsea are also looking to record their first Champions League win of the season when they entertain Benfica. Maresca’s men were beaten 3-1 by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in their opening fixture, with in-form striker Harry Kane scoring twice on the night. Their only goal of the game came through Palmer, who found the back of the net with a stunning finish. The strike was the England international’s second of the season, having also scored in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Brentford on September 13.