Chelsea will miss Diallo until December and Maresca awaits Palmer's readiness before facing Brentford

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca revealed today, Friday, that the injury to striker Liam Diallo in the hamstring is worse than expected, and it could keep him off the field until December, which is a significant blow to the team before facing Brentford in the fourth round of the Premier League.

Diallo joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town last June for £30 million ($41 million), but he suffered an injury against Fulham before the international break, and it was expected that he would be out for 6 to 8 weeks, before Maresca confirmed that the absence could extend to 10 or 12 weeks.

On the other hand, Chelsea received positive news with the return of Cole Palmer to training after recovering from a thigh injury, as Maresca said: "Cole participated in yesterday's training session, but not the entire session. We will try to ensure his readiness today, and if he is not ready, he will miss tomorrow's match".

Maresca also indicated the possibility of giving new signing Alejandro Garnacho a place on the bench, even though he has not played any matches this season before his transfer from Manchester United, adding: "He trains well, but he needs time to regain his physical readiness".

A legal crisis looms on the horizon

Despite Chelsea's good start this season, having collected 7 points from three matches, the club faces 74 charges from the English Football Association regarding alleged violations of player agents and intermediaries regulations, and they have been given a deadline until September 19 to respond to the charges.

However, Maresca downplayed the impact of the case on the team, saying: "I don't think the players are worried... I want to focus on the pitch, because that is the only thing I can control".