Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer will miss the club’s upcoming fixtures against Barcelona and Arsenal after suffering a freak injury at home. The forward has fractured the little toe on his left foot, extending a spell on the sidelines that had already kept him out for two months with a groin problem.
Palmer’s last appearance came in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on September 20, when he was substituted early as his lingering groin issue flared up again. Hopes that he would return after the November international break have now been dashed, ruling him out of the looming Champions League clash with Barcelona.
He has also been ruled out of the visit of Premier League leaders Arsenal, as well as this weekend’s trip to Burnley. The Chelsea boss told reporters on Friday:
“He is probably not available for tomorrow, for sure. Barcelona for sure. Arsenal for sure. Unfortunately, he had an accident at home two days ago. He hit his toe. But it’s nothing important. But for sure he’s not back in the next week.
“It’s fractured. The only thing we know is he’s not available for this week and next week.”
Cole Palmer Nearly Returned to Chelsea Training Before Freak Injury
Maresca explained that Palmer had been on the verge of rejoining the squad in complete training after his groin trouble. This comes after having made only four appearances in all competitions this season and missing Chelsea’s last 11 matches:
“He was very close, with the groin. He was back with us almost. Then he had this small problem. The last time I saw him was yesterday. Was he limping? No, not too much.”
About Cole Palmer missing international games, Maresca said:
“For me personally, Cole is one of our best players. No doubt that he can play in any international team. It’s Thomas’ decision.”
Palmer’s continued absence leaves him battling to regain fitness and form in time to earn a place in England’s squad for next summer’s World Cup in North America.