Cole Palmer Suffers Major Injury Setback After 'Freak' Incident at His Home

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has suffered a bizarre injury set-back which looks set to delay his return to action.

After firing Enzo Maresca's men to the Conference League and Club World Cup last term, the Blues talisman has been unavailable for large parts of the season.

Palmer, England's 2023/24 Player of the Year, has been struggling with a recurring groin issue which has resulted in him playing in just three of Chelsea's 11 Premier League fixtures.

The former Manchester City man has not been seen since being forced off 21 minutes into the defeat to Manchester United in September, with Maresca previously revealing that he was wrong about his return timeline.

But while he has not undergone surgery and is nearing a return to from that injury, Maresca has now revealed a fresh issue Palmer is dealing with.

Palmer broke his toe in an incident at his house. Image: Getty

Palmer has broken his toe in an accident at home, pushing back his comeback at an important stage of the season. He is set to miss Chelsea's next three matches in all competitions as a result.

"He is probably not available for [Burnley], but Barcelona or Arsenal, for sure," Maresca explained in his press conference.

“Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe… it’s fractured.

“He was almost back from the groin [injury], but now he has this small problem.”

Asked about a possible timeline for Palmer's return, Maresca added: "We don't know.

"[His toe] It's fractured. The only thing we know he is not available for this week and next week."

Palmer has not played since September. Image: Getty

According to Sky Sports, Palmer suffered the fractured toe on his left foot when he stubbed it against a door at his home. He had returned to training very briefly at Cobham but now faces a wait to get back on the pitch at a time where Chelsea are third in the table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.

The problem adds to Palmer's frustrations after the groin issue ruled him out of England contention.

Off the back of his contributions for the Three Lions, the playmaker has been limited to just one appearance under Thomas Tuchel and his World Cup spot would appear to be under threat given competition for places in his position.

England's next international break is in March, with unannounced friendlies pencilled in ahead of the showpiece in the North America.