Chelsea Excludes Cole Palmer from Fulham Match and Approaches Signing Garnacho

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca announced today, Friday, that star Cole Palmer will miss the West London clash against Fulham in the Premier League due to a muscle injury in his upper thigh, while the club is close to completing the signing of Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United for £40 million.

Palmer was injured before the team's match against West Ham, which ended in a heavy defeat of 5-1, leading to his exclusion from the England national team list for the World Cup qualifiers announced by coach Thomas Tuchel.

Maresca indicated that the duo Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile will also be absent due to injury, adding: "We will monitor Cole's condition day by day, but I do not expect Romeo and Benoit to return before the end of the international break."

In light of Palmer's absence, Maresca confirmed that the team will look for alternative attacking solutions against Fulham, which he described as "a well-organized team that plays beautiful football," praising their coach Marco Silva.

Regarding the Garnacho deal, Maresca said: "I know he is here, but he is a pure winger and I do not see him in another position," pointing out that the transfer window is still open and surprises may occur before it closes on Monday.

With Garnacho's arrival, Chelsea's total spending in the summer transfer market rises to over £280 million, as part of the club's plan to rejuvenate the team and enhance its attacking options.