Palmer to miss three more games after toe fracture

Chelsea and England forward Cole Palmer will miss two Premier League games and the Champions League clash with Barcelona next week after fracturing a toe.

The England forward was set to resume first-team training this week after two months out with a groin injury.

But the 23-year-old will remain out for slightly longer because of the injury to the small toe on his favoured left foot.

He will miss the Blues’ next three fixtures, Saturday’s Premier League game at Burnley, Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Barcelona and next weekend’s match at home to Arsenal.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said, “He is probably not available for Saturday for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure.

“Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It is nothing important, but he won’t be back in the next week.

“I wake up many times during the night – I hit my head, my legs, my everything – so it can happen.”

Palmer’s most recent appearance was during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on 20 September.

The Blues have played 11 games in all competitions since then – winning eight and losing two – and sit third in the Premier League table.

“I think that his team-mates are better players with Cole playing,” added Maresca. “I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch, and we all want Cole on the pitch.

“At the same time, when Cole is not on the pitch, we need to find a solution. The team is doing very well but we are better with Cole. He was almost back with us.”

Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Benoit Badiashile are all available for the trip to Turf Moor.

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