Cole Palmer will miss key games against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal after fracturing his toe in a freak accident at home, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is facing an extended absence, including crucial matches against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal, after suffering a ‘freak injury’ at home that resulted in a fractured toe.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has suffered a “freak injury” in a domestic accident, extending his absence just as he was preparing to return from a two-month-long groin problem.
The incident occurred at home, and the resulting fractured toe will keep the player out of the team for a critical run of fixtures, including the Premier League clash against Burnley this weekend, the Champions League tie with Barcelona on Tuesday, and the London derby against Arsenal.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca confirmed the fresh blow during a press conference.
According to a report from The Independent, Maresca tried to play down the severity of the incident but confirmed the player’s unavailability.
Maresca provided the following update on Palmer’s status:
“He is probably not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure. 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.”
He later added, “It’s fractured. The only thing we know is that he’s not available for this week, next week.”
The manager tried to lighten the mood, reflecting: “It can happen, it can happen. I wake up many times during the night to go to the toilet, and I hit my head, my leg, my everything, so it can happen.”
Maresca confirmed that defender Benoit Badiashile, however, is likely to return against Burnley.