Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted that star midfielder Cole Palmer faces a race against time to return to action after being forced off early in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Palmer, who only recently recovered from a groin problem, lasted just 21 minutes before being substituted, raising concerns about a possible setback.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Lincoln City, Maresca revealed that Palmer’s situation remains uncertain and will be closely monitored.

“Cole is probably the only one we need to check carefully,” the Italian coach told reporters.

He added, “He made a huge effort on Saturday. He was not fully fit, but he wanted to be there to help the team. For now, it’s a day-by-day process to see how he responds.”

Maresca added that medical staff have not suggested surgery at this stage, but the timeline for the midfielder’s recovery is still unclear.

“At the moment, we just need to see how he feels each day,” Maresca said.

The Blues face four games before the international break in October, starting with Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Lincoln City.

A Premier League meeting with Brighton follows, before a high-profile Champions League showdown with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica and a blockbuster league tie against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.