Chelsea have crafted a custom-made football boot for Cole Palmer to aid the 23-year-old's recovery from an unusual injury he sustained earlier this week. Palmer was scheduled to resume training with the Blues in Cobham on Thursday after recuperating from a groin injury that has sidelined him since September 20. Enzo Maresca had previously expressed hopes of the England international returning for the back-to-back matches against Barcelona and Arsenal next week, but the Chelsea forward encountered a peculiar injury at home.
The ex-Manchester City youth player accidentally stubbed his little toe on his left foot against 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."
The Blues' head coach added: "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."
But it is understood Chelsea have now commissioned a specially-adapted boot to be crafted for Palmer's foot as the club seek to accelerate his recovery from the latest setback.
The Blues are optimistic that with the assistance of this bespoke boot, Palmer will be able to return to the training pitch next week and work alongside his teammates as he prepares for a demanding fixture schedule.
It is fairly standard practice when the little toe is affected to make modifications to the interior of the protective boot - and Chelsea will be hoping that assists Palmer.
Chelsea have been without Palmer for over two months now. During that period, the Blues have contested 11 matches across all competitions - securing eight victories, drawing twice and suffering just one defeat.
Maresca is pleased with how his players have adjusted without the talismanic figure, but the Italian is eager to have Palmer as an option once again.
Maresca said: "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."