Overview
- Palmer’s anticipated return has been delayed after he hurt his toe in an accident at home, with Chelsea confirming he will miss Burnley, Barcelona and Arsenal.
- The 23-year-old has been sidelined since a groin injury suffered in September against Manchester United and was close to resuming first-team training.
- Maresca recounted receiving a late-night text from the club doctor about the incident and confirmed the midfielder will not feature over the next week.
- The head coach compared Palmer’s influence to Erling Haaland at Manchester City and Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, saying Chelsea are not the same without him.
- Chelsea’s form has held up in his absence, with standout contributions from Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and teenager Estevao; Palmer has two goals in four appearances this season.