Chelsea have been warned that Cole Palmer's groin injury could keep their talisman sidelined for longer than expected after Enzo Maresca revealed he would be absent for a further six weeks.

Palmer, 23, has not played for the Blues since 20 September as he continues to be plagued by a groin issue. The England star was absent again on Saturday as Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 and is not expected back anytime soon as he struggles to shake a problem that first emerged during the Club World Cup in the summer.

And while Maresca has already braced Chelsea fans for Palmer's continued absence, Glenn Hoddle has warned that groin injuries can be particularly troublesome and that the former Manchester City star could be missing for even longer.

READ MORE: Chelsea push Ange Postecoglou closer to sack with Nottingham Forest win - 5 talking points

"He is a top quality player, he is one England will be talking about for being the no10 when he is 100 per fit," Hoddle said on TNT Sports before Saturday's game. "But a groin problem is a massive problem. I had that way back when I was younger and it took a long time to recover.

"You never quite know with a groin and when it’s perfect until you get out there and play and that’s the problem. But they still have some talent."

Speaking on Friday, Maresca admitted he had got it wrong on Palmer with previous comments about the attacking midfielder's injury timeline. "I was wrong [about Palmer]. Unfortunately he needs to be out for six more weeks.

"We're doing our best to protect Cole as much as possible. The most crucial thing is that when he returns, he's in top form.

"Our medical team aren't miracle workers. We're hoping six weeks will suffice. We'll have to take it one step at a time. But rest assured, he'll be alright."

Fortunately for the Blues, they managed to do without their star man on Saturday, as they put Nottingham Forest to the sword with goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James. Their 3-0 win proved to be terminal for Ange Postecoglou, who was brutally sacked less than 20 minutes after the final whistle.

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