Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has been ruled out of two Premier League matches and next week’s Champions League clash with Barcelona after suffering a toe fracture in a freak home accident, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.
The 23-year-old, who had only just returned to full training following a two-month layoff with a groin injury, sustained the new setback after stubbing his toe on a door at night.
Maresca told reporters Palmer would miss Saturday’s trip to Burnley, Tuesday’s high-profile home clash against Barcelona, and next weekend’s showdown with Premier League leaders 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 — though he won’t be back in the next week.”
Palmer has been a key figure for Chelsea since joining the club, and his absence comes at a crucial stage of the season. He scored twice in July when the Blues defeated Paris Saint-Germain to lift the Club World Cup, and he is widely expected to play a major role for England at next year’s World Cup.
Chelsea will now have to navigate a demanding run of fixtures without one of their most influential attackers as they continue their push in both domestic and European competitions.
