04:30, 14 Nov 2025<\/p>\n
![\"Cole](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_GettyImages-2236439053-1.jpg\")
Cole Palmer’s season has been blighted by injury(Image: Alex Livesey\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The last international break of the year is here and it provides the perfect opportunity for Chelsea<\/a> to reflect on how their season has panned out so far. Enzo Maresca<\/a> \u2019s side, despite struggling for consistency, have been impressive in the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Blues are currently third in the table, trailing second-placed Manchester City<\/a> by just two points after sealing a thumping 3-0 victory<\/a> over Wolves<\/a> last time out. Their form in the Champions League<\/a> has been less impressive but far from disastrous, notching two wins, one draw and a loss to put them in 12th place – inside the play-off places – in the league phase of the competition.<\/p>\n Following the international break, they will face Burnley<\/a> away from home on November 22, before taking on Barcelona<\/a> at Stamford Bridge three days later in the Champions League. Now, we take a look at two big stories surrounding the west London side ahead of those fixtures.<\/p>\n Injury blow for Maresca<\/p>\n Ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Barcelona, the Catalans have been given a boost with regards to the injured Pedri\u2019s potential return in time for the fixture. Spanish outlet AS<\/a> reports the midfielder could make his return two weeks earlier than the original timeline set by the club\u2019s doctors.<\/p>\n READ MORE: John Terry slams UK government’s ‘disgusting’ treatment of ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich<\/a>READ MORE: Ex-Chelsea star rubbishes Man Utd progress under Ruben Amorim in brutal assessment<\/a><\/p>\n Pedri\u2019s last game came in the El Clasico<\/a> defeat last month, where he was sent off in stoppage time. Tests after the heated fixture<\/a> found that the 22-year-old had suffered a hamstring tear.<\/p>\n However, his recovery is reportedly progressing very well, meaning he could return to action against Athletic Club in the first game back after the international break, which would also make him available for selection against Maresca\u2019s Blues.<\/p>\n That will undoubtedly come as a blow to Chelsea given Pedri\u2019s importance to Hansi Flick\u2019s side, whereby he is their most dangerous playmaker and capable of dominating games from central midfield. The report also claims injured Barca duo Joan Garc\u00eda and Raphinha are also set to be fit again in time for the crunch Champions League clash.<\/p>\n Cole Palmer eyes return However, Chelsea could have their own talisman back in time for the mammoth fixture. Palmer has been injured since September<\/a>, missing the last 11 games with a groin problem.<\/p>\n The England international limped off early in his side’s defeat at Manchester United<\/a> on September 20 and has not been back on the pitch since. But the Blues are hoping he will be available for selection before the end of the month.<\/p>\n According to the Mail<\/a>, former Man City<\/a> forward Palmer would love to play in such a historic showdown and is targeting the fixture as his return. It is claimed that his return to team training is \u2018fairly close\u2019.<\/p>\n However, the report also claims that Chelsea<\/a> do not want to rush the attacker back at the risk of doing further damage. Opening up on the complexities of the injury, Maresca recently told football.london<\/a> : \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Pedri](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_GettyImages-2235610915jpgrti.jpg\")
Pedri is set to return from injury to face Chelsea(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"Cole](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_GettyImages-2242299554.jpg\")
Cole Palmer hasn’t featured for Chelsea since their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United back in September(Image: (Crystal Pix\/MB Media\/Getty Images))<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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