Cole Palmer suffers freak toe fracture, ruled out of key Chelsea fixtures
Chelsea have been hit with another injury setback as midfielder Cole Palmer has fractured his toe in an unexpected accident at home, further delaying his return to action.
The 23-year-old had been nearing full fitness after a groin injury sustained in September against Manchester United.
Palmer was initially expected to make his comeback in next Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Barcelona, but those plans have now been scrapped following medical assessment.
Freak accident derails planned return
According to club officials, Palmer fractured his left small toe after accidentally stubbing it on a door at night earlier this week.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that the midfielder will miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Burnley, the Barcelona tie, and the league fixture against Arsenal on November 30.
“It’s nothing major long-term, but for sure he won’t be back this week or next. It’s fractured,” Maresca said.
Despite the injury, the coach noted that Palmer appeared to be moving without visible discomfort but explained that striking the ball remains painful. “The issue is the small toe, so the contact with the ball is the problem,” he added.
Maresca: ‘We Are better with Cole’
Maresca dismissed suggestions that Chelsea can seamlessly cope without Palmer, emphasising his influence in the squad.
“Absolutely not,” he said when asked if the team could cope in his absence. “The team is better with Cole playing. We all want Cole on the pitch. When he’s not available, we have to find solutions, but we are better with Cole.”
“I’m very proud of the team performing without Palmer… Because for us, Cole is like Haaland for City.
“He’s like Salah for Liverpool, and I guess if Haaland doesn’t play for City or Salah for Liverpool, they’re not the same team.”
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