Key Highlights
- Cole Palmer has broken a toe in an accident at home and will miss Chelsea’s next three matches against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal.
- Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the injury during a press conference on November 21, 2025.
- Palmer had been set to return from a groin injury that has sidelined him since September.
- The team’s next five fixtures include matches against Burnley, Barcelona, Arsenal, Leeds, and Bournemouth.
Accident at Home: Cole Palmer Injures Toe and Misses Crucial Games
In a twist of fortune for Chelsea FC, forward Cole Palmer has suffered an unexpected toe injury in an accident at his home. The 29-year-old was playing the role of a typical homeowner when he stubbed his left foot on a door, breaking one of his toes. This unfortunate incident will sideline him from crucial matches against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca provided an update during a press conference on November 21, 2025. “For sure,” Maresca stated, “Palmer won’t be back in the next week.” The Blues boss went on to explain that Palmer’s toe is fractured and he will miss upcoming games against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal.
Return from Groin Injury Halted by New Injury
The latest setback for Cole Palmer comes after he was expected to return from a groin injury that had kept him out of action since September. The forward made three Premier League appearances before the injury forced him off against Manchester United in early November. With his return imminent, the break on his left toe is a significant blow.
“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,” Maresca elaborated. “The team prefer it when Cole is playing, I feel much better with Cole on the pitch.” However, the Chelsea head coach acknowledged that Palmer’s absence could make things challenging.
Chelsea’s Upcoming Fixtures and Impact of Injury
The injury could affect Chelsea’s upcoming games. The team faces Burnley on Saturday, November 22, at 12:30 PM, followed by a Champions League match against Barcelona on Tuesday, November 25, at 8 PM. The third match in question is a Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Sunday, November 30, at 4:30 PM.
Although Palmer had been working his way back from the groin injury, Maresca believes that the team has managed without him so far. “The team is doing fantastic, really well,” he said. “For any manager, it’s nice when you miss a player but the team still plays in the way you want it to.” However, the upcoming matches against Burnley and Barcelona will be crucial, and Palmer’s absence could impact these games significantly.
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi remains out of the first-team frame.
While he has been training with the second team during the international break, Maresca confirmed that there are no plans for him to return to the first team just yet. “Axel is helping the second team,” said Maresca, adding that he believes Disasi’s current role with the youth side is beneficial.
Despite the challenges posed by Palmer’s absence and Disasi’s situation, Chelsea continues to look forward to their upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Barcelona, Arsenal, Leeds, and Bournemouth. The team will hope that these matches can help them maintain their position in the Premier League table.
