Chelsea star Cole Palmer is set to miss the Blues' next three matches after suffering a fractured toe in a freak accident at his home in Surrey. The 23-year-old, already sidelined with a groin problem, stubbed his toe and sustained the injury while recovering.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback in a press conference on Friday, saying: 'Unfortunately, he had an accident at home with his toe. But it's nothing important. For sure he is not back next week.' Maresca added that Palmer was seen without footwear and not limping, but the small toe can be painful.
The injury means Palmer will miss Saturday's Premier League trip to Burnley, the Champions League clash with Barcelona on Tuesday, and the London derby against Arsenal the following weekend. His absence is a significant blow for Chelsea, who sit third in the table but are only three points clear of 10th-placed Crystal Palace.
Palmer has been limited to just four appearances this season after picking up a groin injury against Manchester United in September. He has now missed 13 matches in total. Chelsea have reportedly had a specially-adapted boot made for him to speed up his return, with hopes he could train on grass next week.
Maresca dismissed suggestions Chelsea have improved without Palmer, stating: 'I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch, and we all want Cole on the pitch.' The club are targeting a return for the away trip to Leeds United in early December or the subsequent fixture at Bournemouth.
