Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has been ruled out of two Premier League fixtures and a Champions League showdown with Barcelona after fracturing his toe in a domestic accident, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.
Maresca revealed that the 23-year-old, who had only just returned to training following a two-month groin injury layoff, injured himself at home after accidentally stubbing his toe on a door during the night.
As a result, Palmer will miss Saturday’s Premier League visit to Burnley, Chelsea’s high-profile Champions League home game against Barcelona on Tuesday, and next weekend’s clash with league leaders Arsenal.
“He is probably not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure,” Maresca told reporters. “Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe, but it is nothing important — still, he won’t be back in the next week.”
Palmer, who scored twice in Chelsea’s Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain in July, remains a key figure for both club and country and is expected to play a vital role for England at next year’s World Cup.
