Cole Palmer Misses Burnley Match Due to Unusual Home Injury
Cole Palmer will miss crucial matches for Chelsea following a home injury that resulted in a fractured toe. The incident occurred two days prior to Chelsea’s scheduled Premier League match against Burnley, which takes place on a Saturday. This injury continues to hinder the 23-year-old’s return from a prior groin issue.
Cole Palmer’s Injury Details
Head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that Palmer will be unavailable for at least three matches. This includes:
- Premier League match at Burnley
- Champions League match against Barcelona
- Home game versus Arsenal
Maresca explained, “It is fractured, yes. He is not available for this week, next week.” He likened the severity of the injury to everyday accidents, noting, “It can happen.” Despite the injury not being deemed serious, its timing is unfortunate for both Palmer and the team.
Impact on Chelsea’s Season
This latest setback follows a two-month absence due to Palmer’s previous groin injury. He has not played since being substituted during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September. Before this current injury, Palmer had been nearing a return to the squad.
Since Palmer’s last appearance, Chelsea has demonstrated resilience, only suffering two losses across all competitions, and currently sits third in the Premier League standings. However, Maresca emphasized that the team is stronger with Palmer on the field. “The teammates are better players with Cole playing,” he stated.
Next Steps for Chelsea
Despite Palmer’s absence, the Blues will be looking to capitalize on their recent form in upcoming matches. Maresca also confirmed that several players will be available for the Burnley clash, including:
- Benoît Badiashile (muscular problem)
- Enzo Fernández (knee)
- Pedro Neto (groin)
As Chelsea prepares to face Burnley, they will need to find effective solutions to cope without their star playmaker. The coming weeks present both challenges and opportunities for the team.
