Chelsea have been without Cole Palmer for over two months due to a groin injury, and the Blues star has suffered a setback in his bid to return to action
Cole Palmer has suffered another injury setback
Cole Palmer has suffered another injury setback(Image: Getty Images)
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Chelsea have given Cole Palmer a specially-adapted football boot to aid their star man's recovery from an unusual injury he sustained earlier this week.
Palmer was set to rejoin the Blues in Cobham on Thursday after recovering from a groin injury that has sidelined him since 20 September. Enzo Maresca had previously expressed hopes of the England international making a comeback for the double-header against Barcelona and Arsenal next week, but the Chelsea forward suffered a peculiar injury at home.
The ex-Manchester City youth player accidentally stubbed his little toe on his left foot on a door, resulting in a fracture. "He's not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona, for sure, Arsenal, for sure," Maresca announced in Friday morning's press conference.
"Unfortunately he had an accident at home two days ago and he hit his toe. He was very close [to returning]. He was back with us almost with the groin [injury] and it's very good news. And then again, he had this small problem and hopefully it is nothing important."
Chelsea have had a custom-made boot created for Palmer's foot in an attempt to help his recovery from his most recent setback. The Blues are optimistic that with the aid of this special boot, Palmer will be able to return to the pitch next week and train with his teammates as he prepares to return for a busy fixture schedule.
It is fairly common practice when the little toe is affected to make adjustments to the inside of the protective boot - and Chelsea will be hoping that helps Palmer.
Palmer has been absent from Chelsea for over two months now. During that period, the Blues have played 11 matches in all competitions - winning eight, drawing two and losing just once.
Enzo Maresca has suffered a big blow
Enzo Maresca has suffered a big blow(Image: (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
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Maresca is pleased with how his players have adapted without the talismanic figure, but the Italian is eager to have Palmer as an option once again.
Maresca stated: "I think that the teammates are better players with Cole playing. I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch, and we all want Cole on the pitch. At the same time, when Cole is not on the pitch, we need to find a solution.
"The team is doing fantastic, it's doing very well. Also, I think for any manager it is nice when you miss a player, but at the end the team still plays in the way we want to play. It's good, but again, we are better with Cole."
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