Overview
- Chelsea confirm Cole Palmer fractured his little toe in a domestic accident, but Enzo Maresca says he has resumed on‑pitch work in an adapted boot.
- Maresca has ruled Palmer out of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona and says he does not expect him to face Arsenal on Sunday.
- An early‑December return is viewed as possible if progress continues, though no firm date has been set for the 23‑year‑old’s comeback.
- Palmer has not played since September due to a persistent groin issue, with the toe injury briefly delaying his planned return.
- Reece James’ half‑time withdrawal at Burnley was a planned minutes management call, while Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill remain sidelined on separate recovery timelines.