Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer - 'He had an accident at home'

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has offered a new update on star player Cole Palmer, who is expected to be sidelined for longer than the previously expected period.

Palmer has played only four games for the Blues in the Premier League since the start of the season, due to a groin injury sustained early in the season and aggravated during Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United in September.

The 23-year-old was expected to join the first team in October after the international break, but his return date was further delayed. He is now set for a lengthy time out due to another setback.

Maresca was hopeful that the club talisman would return in time to face Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League later in the month. However, a latest update on the superstar means he will be sidelined for several months longer than anticipated.

The English international has missed the last nine matches and is expected to be out of their Champions League fixture away to Qarabag on Wednesday.

Maresca has been cautious about rushing the Chelsea attacker’s early return, but now, Palmer is surprisingly nursing another injury as important games loom.

The Italian tactician has revealed Cole Palmer has been dealt a fresh injury setback after fracturing a toe at home.

The Chelsea playmaker had been closing in on a return from a long-term groin issue, but he has now been ruled out of the Blues’ next three matches.

Speaking to the media, Maresca said ahead of the trip to Burnley: “He is probably not available for tomorrow, for sure, Barcelona, for sure, Arsenal, for sure.

“Unfortunately he had an accident at home with his toe. But it’s nothing important. For sure he is not back next week.

“We don’t know. It’s fractured. The only thing we know is he is not available for this week and next week.

“I don’t know how he is today. It was in the changing room. He wasn’t limping, he seemed okay, but it’s his small toe [in his left foot], so it can be painful.”