Credit: IMAGO / Sportsphoto

Cole Palmer Hit by Freak Toe Injury, Set To Miss Another Week

Credit: IMAGO / Sportsphoto

Chelsea have been dealt an unexpected setback as Cole Palmer will now remain out for another week after suffering a freak toe injury at home. The 23-year-old had been gearing up for his long-awaited return to first-team training following two months out with a groin issue. His comeback was planned for this week, but that timeline has changed again after he fractured a small toe on his left foot.

Notably, the incident happened on Wednesday night when Palmer stubbed his toe on a door. The timing is frustrating for both Palmer and Chelsea, who had been optimistic about his recovery. Instead, the Blues will have to navigate another crucial set of fixtures without their most influential attacker.

Since Maresca’s arrival, Palmer has been the standout figure in Chelsea’s attack. He was man of the match in the 4-1 Conference League final win over Real Betis last season and picked up Player of the Tournament as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup in the summer.

Freak Accident Delays Cole Palmer Return

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer will miss the next three fixtures: Burnley on Saturday, Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge next weekend. The manager described the injury as “nothing important” but admitted the forward won’t feature in the coming week.

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 happens to all of us. It’s nothing big, but he won’t be back in the next week.”

Cole Palmer has broken his toe in an accident at home and is expected to miss Chelsea's next 3 games against Burnley, Barcelona and Arsenal 🤕🔵 pic.twitter.com/QQvObFM8UV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 21, 2025

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Palmer had been preparing to resume full-contact training at Cobham after recovering from the recurring groin problem that has sidelined him since September. Palmer’s last appearance came in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on 20 September. Chelsea have played 11 matches since then, winning eight and losing two. They now sit third in the Premier League table and have adapted well without him.

Even so, Maresca made it clear that Chelsea is stronger with Palmer available. “His team-mates are better players with Cole,” he said. “I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch. We all want Cole on the pitch, but when he isn’t there we need to find a solution. The team is doing very well, but we are better with him.”

🚨❄️ Enzo Maresca: “I’m very proud of the team performing without Palmer… Because for us, Cole is like Haaland for City”.

“He’s like Salah for Liverpool, and I guess if Haaland doesn’t play for City or Salah for Liverpool, they're not the same team”. pic.twitter.com/UYCLp5Gd0B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 22, 2025

The groin issue has restricted him to just four appearances this season. Palmer hasn’t featured for Chelsea since being substituted after 21 minutes at Old Trafford. Chelsea have positive news elsewhere with Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Benoit Badiashile all available for the trip to Turf Moor.

Chelsea

Cole Palmer

Enzo Maresca

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Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.