Chelsea's Palmer Suffers Fresh Setback in Bizarre Home Accident
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer faces another frustrating spell on the sidelines after fracturing a toe in what manager Enzo Maresca described as a freak domestic accident. The 23-year-old, who was nearing a return from a groin injury that had kept him out for two months, stubbed the small toe on his left foot on a door at home on Wednesday night.
This new setback means Palmer will miss Chelsea's next three crucial fixtures: Saturday's Premier League encounter with Burnley, Tuesday's Champions League tie against Barcelona, and next weekend's London derby against Arsenal. Maresca confirmed the timeline, stating: "He's not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure, Arsenal for sure."
Protective Measures and Recovery Outlook
Despite the fracture, there is some positive news for the Blues. Palmer has avoided needing a protective boot and isn't requiring surgery for his previous groin issue. Maresca provided reassurance about the nature of the injury: "It's nothing important, but for sure he's not back next week." The manager added that the main concern is pain management when wearing football boots, given the location of the fracture.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Palmer, who was close to making his first-team comeback after two months out. With England's World Cup squad selection looming next summer, the attacking midfielder faces increased pressure to regain fitness and form amid fierce competition for places in the national team.
Premier League Team News Roundup
Tottenham Receive Kolo Muani Boost for North London Derby
Thomas Frank has received welcome news ahead of Sunday's crucial north London derby against Arsenal, with forward Randal Kolo Muani declared available despite suffering a jaw injury against Manchester United earlier this month. The French international will wear a protective mask during the match at the Emirates Stadium.
Frank also confirmed that Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall have returned to training and are available for selection. The injury news isn't entirely positive for Spurs, however, with James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke all remaining sidelined.
Howe Demands More From Newcastle's Record Signing
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has called for improved performances from club record signing Nick Woltemade as the Magpies attempt to revive their Premier League campaign. The German international, who joined from Stuttgart for £69 million in the summer, started brightly with five goals in his first eight appearances but has managed just one in his last six outings.
Howe expressed hope that Woltemade's three goals for Germany during the international break would restore his confidence: "Confidence is everything to a centre-forward, so I think he can be really pleased with himself. But we have to demand more and we need more from him." Newcastle currently sit 14th in the table ahead of Saturday's challenging fixture against Manchester City.
Bournemouth's Iraola Unfazed by Semenyo Speculation
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has dismissed concerns about winger Antoine Semenyo's future despite revelations that the Ghana international has a £65 million release clause in his contract. The 25-year-old signed a five-year deal this summer, and Iraola insisted he isn't worried about potential January interest.
"We are in November. Antoine is our player, he will continue being our player," Iraola stated before Saturday's match against West Ham. "In January, you can ask me about the market in January, but right now I'm not worried about the next markets."
Brentford's Carvalho Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Brentford have been dealt a significant blow with the news that midfielder Fabio Carvalho will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training. Head coach Keith Andrews described it as a "devastating" development for the Portuguese player, who joined from Liverpool in August 2024.
"It's been a tough week for obvious reasons," Andrews admitted. "I feel for him. He's someone who I have a lot of respect for as a man." The Bees will also be without Josh Dasilva and Antoni Milambo for Saturday's visit to Brighton.
Silva Confident Amid Fulham Speculation
Fulham manager Marco Silva has insisted he remains "on the same page" with the club's hierarchy despite mounting speculation about his future at Craven Cottage. Silva is yet to respond to a new contract offer with his current deal expiring at the season's end, following a run of five defeats from Fulham's last six games.
"If you have been achieving great results all the seasons we have been here and sometimes overachieving as well, you cannot do it if you are not on the same page," Silva stated before Saturday's match against Sunderland.
