Chelsea star Cole Palmer fractures toe in freak home accident

Palmer is set to be sidelined for the club's next three matches and is highly frustrating for player and club as the 23-year-old had just been nearing a return from a two-month groin injury.

Palmer's misfortune comes at a critical point in the Blues' season. He will miss Saturday's Premier League trip to Burnley, the midweek Champions League clash against Barcelona, and the following weekend's home game against Arsenal.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the extent of the injury.

"He is not available for tomorrow, for sure, Barcelona for sure, or Arsenal for sure. Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It is fractured. It is nothing major, but he won't be back in the next week," said Maresca.

"I wake up many times during the night, hit my head or leg - it can happen. The main thing is we hope there is nothing more serious for hiM.

Palmer has not been in action since Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September.

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