Chelsea latest: Cole Palmer injury plan emerges as Enzo Maresca suffers Champions League blow

Chelsea have an important run of games after the international break and we now bring you a round-up of the latest news and injury updates

The final international break of the year is upon us, offering Chelsea a chance to reflect on their progress so far this season.

Despite some inconsistency, Enzo Maresca's side have shown impressive form in the Premier League. Currently sitting third in the table, the Blues are just two points behind second-placed Manchester City, following a thumping 3-0 win over Wolves in their last match.

Their Champions League results have been less stellar but not disastrous, with two victories, a draw and a defeat placing them 12th - inside the play-off spots - in the league phase of the tournament.

After the international break, they're set to face Burnley away on 22 November, before hosting Barcelona at Stamford Bridge three days later in the Champions League. Now, we delve into two major stories surrounding the west London club ahead of these fixtures.

Injury blow for Maresca

As the crucial Champions League encounter with Barcelona looms, the Catalans have received a boost with the potential early return of Pedri from injury. Spanish publication AS claims that the midfielder could be back in action two weeks sooner than initially anticipated by the club's medical team.

Pedri's most recent appearance was in last month's El Clasico defeat, where he was shown a red card in stoppage time. The following day, it became clear that the 22-year-old had sustained a hamstring tear.

However, his recovery is reportedly going very well, suggesting he could be back in action against Athletic Club after the international break. That would also make him available for selection against Maresca's Blues.

The news will likely disappoint Chelsea, given Pedri's crucial role in Hansi Flick's team as their most dangerous playmaker, as well as his ability to control games from the midfield. The report also claims injured Barca duo Joan García and Raphinha are also set to be fit again in time for the crunch Champions League clash.

Cole Palmer eyes return

However, Chelsea might have their own star player back in time for the mammoth fixture. Palmer has been out of action since September, missing the last 11 matches due to a groin issue.

The England international was forced off early during his team's loss at Manchester United on 20th September and hasn't returned to the pitch since. Yet, the Blues are hopeful he will be fit for selection before the end of the month.

According to the Mail, former Man City forward Palmer is keen to play in such a monumental match and is targeting it as his comeback fixture. It's reported that his return to team training is 'fairly close'.

But the report also states Chelsea are cautious about rushing the forward back into action, to avoid exacerbating his injury. Speaking about the complexities of the injury, Maresca recently told football.london: “We need to protect Cole for sure, 100%. Not only Cole, in my personal view, because, as I said now, because of the Club World Cup or because we never stop.”