Chelsea and England forward Cole Palmer has been ruled out of two Premier League fixtures and next week’s Champions League clash with Barcelona after fracturing a toe, coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.
Maresca revealed that the 23-year-old, who had only just returned to training following a two-month layoff due to a groin injury, sustained the setback at home. According to the coach, Palmer fractured his toe after accidentally stubbing it on a door during the night.
As a result, he will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley, the home fixture against Barcelona on Tuesday, and next weekend’s crucial league match against table-toppers Arsenal.
“He is probably not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure, or Arsenal for sure,” Maresca said. “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.”
Palmer, who scored twice in Chelsea’s Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain in July, remains a key figure for both club and country. He is also expected to play a major role for England at next year’s World Cup once fully fit.
What You Should Know
Cole Palmer will be out for at least a week after fracturing his toe in a home accident. The injury sidelines him for matches against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal.
Despite the setback, Chelsea considers the issue minor, and the forward is expected to return soon as he continues preparations for the next World Cup.
