Chelsea’s hopes for a bolstered attack have been dealt another blow, as key forward cole Palmer will be sidelined for at least three matches with a fractured toe sustained in a domestic accident [[1]]. The injury comes at an inopportune moment for the blues,who were anticipating Palmer’s return from a two-month absence due to a groin injury,and will test the team’s depth amidst a busy schedule including fixtures against Burnley,Barcelona,and Arsenal [[2]], [[3]]. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the news Friday, adding that the injury occurred over the weekend.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s anticipated return from injury has been further delayed by a freak accident, the club confirmed Friday.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca revealed the 23-year-old forward suffered a fractured toe at home over the weekend and will miss at least the next three matches. The injury comes as Palmer was nearing recovery from a two-month absence due to a groin issue.
“Unfortunately, he had a small accident at home. He stubbed his toe, but it’s not a serious one, but he will definitely not be back next week,” Maresca said ahead of Chelsea’s Saturday Premier League clash with Burnley, confirming the fracture. “He’s limping, but not too much. The problem is it’s his little toe, so the contact with the boot in the shoes can be quite painful.”
????❌ Enzo Maresca: “Cole Palmer has a fractured toe after an accident at home. He is probably not available for Burnley… Barcelona or Arsenal, for sure”.
“His toe it’s fractured… Cole was almost back from the groin injury but now he has this small issue”. pic.twitter.com/kmDURt4OX4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2025
The setback is particularly frustrating for Chelsea, as Palmer has been a key offensive threat since arriving at Stamford Bridge. Maresca remained philosophical about the incident, noting, “These things happen. I’ve woken up many times in the night and hit my head, my leg, everywhere on the way to the bathroom.”
Chelsea’s schedule doesn’t ease up, with a Champions League match against Barcelona next week followed by a Premier League contest versus Arsenal. Maresca confirmed Palmer will be unavailable for all three fixtures. “He is probably not available for Burnley… Barcelona or Arsenal, for sure,” the coach stated.
The injury further tests Chelsea’s squad depth as they navigate a demanding run of games in both domestic and European competitions.
