Cole Palmer has been ruled out for another week after suffering a freak toe injury at home, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday. The forward, who only just returned to training after two months out with a groin problem, now faces another spell on the sidelines and will miss the Champions League showdown with Barcelona.
The 23 year old reportedly fractured his toe by stubbing it on a door during the night, an incident Maresca described as “unfortunate” but not serious long term. Either way, it leaves Chelsea without one of their key attacking players at a crucial stage of the season.
“He is probably not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure,” Maresca said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burnley. “He had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It’s nothing important, but he won’t be back in the next week.”
It’s another setback for Palmer, who had been expected to feature after returning to full training earlier this week. The ex-Man City star has already missed significant minutes this season and Chelsea hoped his return would add cutting edge to a frontline that has struggled for goals in recent weeks.
Palmer scored twice in Chelsea’s Club World Cup win over Paris Saint Germain in July and remains a central figure in Gareth Southgate’s plans for the 2026 World Cup, assuming he stays fit. His absence means Maresca will likely turn to the likes of Christopher Nkunku or Noni Madueke to fill the creative void.
Chelsea face Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday before hosting league leaders Arsenal next weekend, a run that could define their season. Without Palmer, the Blues will need to find inspiration elsewhere if they want to stay in touch with the top four and make progress in Europe.
For now, Palmer is expected back later this month but at Chelsea, nothing ever seems straightforward.
