Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has been ruled out of at least three matches after fracturing a toe in a domestic accident, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the 23-year-old, who had only just resumed training following a two-month groin injury layoff, reportedly stubbed his toe on a door at home during the night. The setback means Palmer will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Burnley, Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, and next weekend’s league match against leaders Arsenal.
“He is probably not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure,” Maresca said.
“Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe but it is nothing important — but he won’t be back in the next week.”
Palmer scored twice in Chelsea’s Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain in July and is expected to play a key role for England at next year’s World Cup.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Ruled Out for ‘Weeks’
Arsenal have also suffered a defensive blow, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming that centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes will be sidelined for “weeks” due to a thigh injury picked up on international duty.
The Brazilian — ever-present in a back line that has conceded only five goals in 11 Premier League games — sustained the injury during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
“Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazilian national team and he’s going to be out for weeks,” Arteta said.
“We need to have another scan next Wednesday, and we’ll have the timeline probably much clearer… It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our back line.”
Despite the setback, Arteta said the squad has options, with Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera both in contention to fill in against Tottenham on Sunday. However, he stressed that replacing Gabriel directly is impossible.
“Every player brings specific qualities and Gabi’s is his leadership, his presence and that love that he has to defend… We have to do it and we have to spread that. People will step up, we’ve done it in the past,” Arteta said.
“We played last year, the biggest and most prominent part of the season without him as well, and the team was able to cope with that.”
