Chelsea are set to host Benfica at Stamford Bridge in the second group-stage match of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. However, the Blues will be without star forward Cole Palmer, a major absence for Enzo Maresca’s side.

Cole Palmer is unavailable for today’s game against Benfica due to a groin injury he suffered in the Premier League clash against Manchester United, where he was forced off after just 21 minutes.

Maresca confirmed the setback during his press conference ahead of the league match against Brighton, noting that Palmer is expected to return after the upcoming international break (October 6–14).

“We’ve decided to protect Cole a little bit, 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 wit

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