Chelsea forward Cole Palmer will miss approximately six weeks with a groin injury, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Friday. The timeline represents a significant setback from Maresca's previous assessment that Palmer would return after the international break without requiring surgery.

"I was wrong, unfortunately, he needs to be out for six more weeks," Maresca stated. "The most important thing is that when he comes back he's fully fit."

Palmer sustained the injury 21 minutes into Chelsea's loss at Manchester United last month. He has not played since, compounding an injury-plagued campaign in which he has managed just two starts across all competitions.

Maresca acknowledged the offensive burden Palmer's absence creates. "To replace Cole is difficult because he is a very important player for us, probably one of the best in the Premier League," the manager said. "We don't have another player like Cole. He is unique."

Chelsea has deployed multiple solutions in Palmer's absence, using Malo Gusto against Liverpool and Facundo Buonanotte against Benfica. Brazilian teenager Estêvão, who scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against the champions, could see increased opportunity.

The medical staff expect Palmer's recovery to progress week by week. "He looks relaxed and is doing all the therapy he needs," Maresca noted.

Chelsea faces additional injury concerns ahead of this weekend's Premier League resumption against Nottingham Forest. Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández are doubts for the match, though Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Andrey Santos are expected to return.