Cole Palmer’s latest injury could be even worse news for himself than for Chelsea.
The England attacker fractured his toe in a household accident on Wednesday night just as he was returning to fitness.
Cole Palmer with Chelsea assistant coach Willy Caballero
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Palmer is heading back to the sidelines just after he'd returned to trainingCredit: Getty
Chelsea’s stand-out player for the past two seasons, Palmer has only played six times in 2025/26 with his minutes limited by a groin injury.
Yet ahead of a return to training for the first time in two months, he’s now back on the sidelines for at least the next three games.
Boss Enzo Maresca revealed Palmer will miss Saturday's trip to Burnley, Tuesday's blockbuster Champions League clash with Barcelona and next weekend's Premier League tussle with leaders Arsenal.
"He is probably not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure," said Maresca.
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"Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe but it is nothing important - but he won't be back in the next week."
While the update is unwelcome for Chelsea, talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham thinks it’s just as bad for Palmer’s hopes of featuring for England at the 2026 World Cup.
“It’s a big blow for Chelsea but I also think it’s a big blow for Palmer and his England hopes,” he said.
“Thomas Tuchel’s had him for 65 minutes for an Andorra game away when he was terrible, but for Cole Palmer he’s just got to get fit and stay fit.”
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour added: “It’s a real setback for him, it’s a nightmare when things like this happen.
“He’ll be disappointed, it’s your worst nightmare when you’re injured and you see your teammates training every day and you’re sat in the medical room.
England manager Thomas Tuchel watches on during their win over Albania
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Tuchel has shown he won't make any exceptions if players aren't fit and in formCredit: AFP
“It’s a massive season for a lot of England players and Palmer’s got to get out of that medical room and start playing and performing like he did.
“I’m sure if he gets back to his best he will be in that England squad.”
Tuchel's injury stance
England manager Tuchel has repeatedly shown that players won’t be selected on performances before he took over, with the German relying on talent that’s succeeded under his coaching.
Tuchel has won seven from eight as Three Lions boss, capping off a faultless World Cup qualifying campaign that saw maximum points and zero goals conceded.
He’s continually relied on players who have turned up for him over bigger names, most notably with Aston Villa duo Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers.
As such, Durham has already expressed his doubts over Palmer’s chances of making it to the Americas.
Palmer scored a massive goal against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, but hasn't been a regular since
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Palmer scored a massive goal against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, but hasn't been a regular sinceCredit: AFP
Previously discussing who will take up the attacking midfield spots in the squad, he said: "I would say Morgan Rogers just about holds it at the moment.
"Me personally, I would prefer Jude Bellingham to have the shirt, I think he's just a far better player.
“I think Cole Palmer's struggling to get on the plane, if I'm honest, I've thought this for a while now.
"He's played 64 minutes under Thomas Tuchel and he was terrible - as was everybody else in the away 1-0 win against Andorra.
"That's all Thomas Tuchel's seen of him, so if it's picked tomorrow - the squad - obviously it isn't, but if it was picked tomorrow, Cole Palmer doesn't get in.
"Even if he gets back fit, he's still got a bit to prove come those March friendlies.”
He added: "In the back end of last season, Cole Palmer wasn't great - he has flashes, he has moments.
"I'm not convinced he's going to be at the World Cup, I think Phil Foden is way ahead of him.
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"I think Phil Foden has done OK in the two games we've just had, coming on as a sub [against Serbia and Albania].
"So I think Phil Foden is some way ahead of Cole Palmer right now. Chelsea fans might not like that, but I think that's the reality."