Blow for Chelsea as young star suffers injury

Chelsea face a daunting run of fixtures when domestic football returns after the international break. 

The Blues started the new season poorly but have won their past three games across all competitions.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be wary of his side’s upcoming opponents, though, with Chelsea due to face Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Manchester United in their next seven Premier League games.

The Gunners make the short trip across London to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but Pochettino may have been dealt a huge blow in the build-up to the match.

As reported by 90min, young midfielder Cole Palmer has been sent home from international duty due to injury.

The 21-year-old was part of the England Under-21s squad that are playing two Euro U21 qualifiers during the current international break, but he has returned home ahead of England’s game against Ukraine on Monday.

Palmer captained the Young Lions last time out as they cruised to a 9-1 win over Serbia, but he was forced off with a dead leg shortly after half-time and will now be a doubt for Chelsea’s game against Arsenal.

Palmer scored his first goal for Chelsea against Burnley last time out

The youngster joined the Blues from Premier League rivals Manchester City over the summer, for a fee that could rise as high as £40 million.

He had made more than 40 appearances for his boyhood club across all competitions, having graduated from City’s youth academy.

Palmer started the current season in fine form, scoring in both the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup for City before completing his move to London.

Since arriving in the capital, he has largely impressed and the midfielder scored his first goal for Chelsea last time out, converting a penalty as Pochettino’s side cruised to a 4-1 victory over the Clarets.