Cole Palmer to Miss Key Matches Due to Fractured Toe

Cole Palmer will miss a significant week in Chelsea’s season due to a fractured toe incurred in a home accident.

The 23-year-old was on the verge of returning from a previous groin injury but has now been ruled out for the club’s next three matches. This includes Saturday’s Premier League clash against Burnley, a midweek Champions League encounter with Barcelona, and next Sunday’s home fixture against Arsenal.

In a statement on Friday morning, manager Enzo Maresca said, “He is definitely not available for tomorrow, Barcelona, or Arsenal. Unfortunately, he had an accident at home two days ago and injured his toe, but it is nothing serious. However, he will not be back for the time being.”

Maresca confirmed, “It is fractured. All we know at this point is that he will not be available for this week or the next. Such accidents can happen. I often wake up during the night and bump into things myself, so it is not uncommon.”

Palmer has not played since being substituted in September’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, but had been nearing a return prior to this latest incident.

“He was very close to returning,” Maresca noted. “He was almost back with us after recovering from the groin issue, which was very encouraging news. Then he faced this minor setback, but we hope it is nothing serious.”

Despite Palmer’s absence, Chelsea has lost only twice in all competitions since his last appearance, climbing to third in the league standings. However, Maresca dismissed any notion that the team has improved without their star playmaker.

“The teammates perform better with Cole on the field,” he asserted. “I feel more confident when he is playing, and we all want him in the lineup. At the same time, in his absence, we must find alternatives. The team has been performing well, and it is reassuring for any manager to see the squad function effectively even when a key player is missing. Nonetheless, we are undoubtedly a stronger team with Cole.”

Maresca also confirmed that Benoît Badiashile (muscular issue), Enzo Fernández (knee), and Pedro Neto (groin) will all be available for the match against Burnley.