Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has expressed hope that Cole Palmer will return to the squad ahead of crucial matches against Barcelona and Arsenal at the end of November. Palmer, who sustained a groin injury in September, has yet to resume training with the team and has missed Chelsea's last nine games. According to Maresca's statement on October 17, Palmer is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks.

Although Palmer will miss the upcoming Champions League clash against Qarabag, the club is hopeful he will be available for the encounter with Barcelona following the international break. "We're taking it day by day with Palmer," Maresca commented, adding that the team is stronger with him on the pitch.

Another player, Pedro Neto, will also be absent from the Qarabag match due to a minor injury sustained in the recent game against Tottenham. However, Maresca remains optimistic about Neto's swift return. He was less confident about Dario Essugo, who is likely to be out until the start of the new year.

Chelsea boasts sufficient squad depth to compensate for the absence of key players, with Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Andrey Santos ready to step in. Maresca emphasized that the team is always seeking solutions when players are unavailable.

Analysis: Despite current injury challenges, Chelsea has shown stability and depth in their squad, which is crucial for the upcoming important fixtures. Palmer's return could provide the team with an additional boost at a critical juncture in the season.