Glenn Hoddle has warned Cole Palmer’s groin injury is a ‘massive problem’ that will ‘tale a long time to recover’ from.

Palmer has been limited to just two starting appearances in the Premier League this term with a groin problem that has so far derailed his season.

After starting against Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season, the former Manchester City star withdrew from the next game against West Ham shortly before kick-off.

He returned off the bench with a goal against Brentford in September, starting and scoring four days later against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. But the problem struck again against Manchester United, coming off after 20 minutes having not featured since.

Chelsea opted to pull Palmer out of the firing line at the start of the month, giving him time to rest and recover with hope he could be back after the international break. But Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday it will be at least another six weeks before he is back.

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