Chelsea's Palmer likely to avoid groin surgery: Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca feels that Cole Palmer should not require surgery for his groin issue, following the moment when the England attacker had to exit the field in their loss against Manchester United on Saturday.

Palmer has only featured in two Premier League starting lineups so far this campaign and managed just 21 minutes at Old Trafford prior to hobbling off during the match that Chelsea dropped 2-1.

When questioned about the possibility of the 23-year-old undergoing a procedure for a problem that has bothered him over time, Maresca said to the press: "The medical team has not brought up anything regarding surgery with me.

"I am unsure if it might come up in the coming days or weeks, yet honestly I doubt it.

"He put in a massive push on Saturday to take part in the fixture. He passed the assessment and was alright though not fully fit. Still he insisted on being available to support his colleagues in such an important encounter.

"Regrettably the discomfort was too much so we opted to substitute him. Now it is a matter of assessing it daily, weekly or after each match to determine the next steps."

Palmer looks set to sit out Chelsea's League Cup third round clash away at League One outfit Lincoln on Tuesday, alongside absences for Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile.

Maresca plans to bring in various young prospects from the academy yet the Italian admitted this approach carries risks considering the chance of a surprise result against a side performing strongly in League One.

"Matches like this concern me the most, as it is simple to falter," he noted. "Such fixtures are common in football and I am genuinely concerned about it."