Chelsea Football Club's plans for a triumphant Champions League return for Cole Palmer have been shattered after the midfielder suffered a bizarre fractured toe in a domestic accident.
A Cruel Twist of Fate
The freak injury occurred just as Palmer was on the brink of recovery from a separate groin problem that had kept him out of action for two months. He was scheduled to rejoin team training on Thursday morning, but on Wednesday night, he stubbed his little toe on a door at home, causing a fracture.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca received the unwelcome news in a late-night phone call from the club doctor. "When you receive a message from the doctor at 11 o’clock at night, it's always bad news," Maresca revealed. The manager described his shock, with his wife urgently asking what had happened upon seeing his reaction.
Significant Match Absences and Scrapped Tribute
This unfortunate event means Palmer will now miss several crucial fixtures, dealing a significant blow to Chelsea's immediate plans. His absence will be felt in:
- The Premier League trip to Burnley
- The Champions League clash with Barcelona
- The high-stakes London derby against league leaders Arsenal
The timing is particularly cruel for fans, who had anticipated his return. The club had even devised a special tribute for his Champions League comeback, which has now been abandoned. Plans for a large 'Cold Palmer' ice sculpture to be erected outside Stamford Bridge, complete with his football card inside, have been scrapped.
Maresca's Haaland and Salah Comparison
Maresca did not understate Palmer's importance to the squad, comparing his loss to Manchester City being without Erling Haaland or Liverpool missing Mohamed Salah. "For us, Cole is like Haaland for City, like Salah for Liverpool," Maresca stated, emphasising how the team's dynamic changes without their key playmaker.
Despite this setback, Maresca expressed pride in his squad's ability to cope without Palmer. The Blues have won eight of their 11 matches during his previous absence, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the team.
Looking ahead, Maresca confirmed that Palmer is definitively ruled out for this week and next, but the full recovery timeline remains uncertain. The primary issue is the potential pain from the small toe making contact with his football boot.
In more positive news for Chelsea, Benoit Badiashile is available for the Burnley match after his own spell on the sidelines. Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez are also fit, though a decision on Moises Caicedo's involvement is pending after his international duties with Ecuador.
