Chelsea star Cole Palmer has suffered a fresh injury after stubbing his toe on a door at home, further delaying his return from a groin problem. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback on Friday, stating that Palmer will miss upcoming matches against Barcelona and Arsenal.
Maresca said: 'He is probably not available for tomorrow, for sure, Barcelona, for sure, Arsenal, for sure. Unfortunately he had an accident at home with his toe. But it's nothing important. For sure he is not back next week.' The injury is a fractured small toe, which Maresca described as painful but not serious.
The England international had been nearing a return after Maresca previously stated in October that Palmer would be out for six more weeks. The latest incident extends his absence, with Maresca adding: 'We don't know. It's fractured. The only thing we know he is not available for this week and next week.'
In positive news, Maresca also provided updates on other Chelsea players. Moisés Caicedo returned from international duty, Benoît Badiashile is available for the next match, and Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto have recovered from injuries during the break.
