Heartbreak for Chelsea - 3 matches Cole Palmer will miss after breaking his toe at home

Chelsea star Cole Palmer will miss three key upcoming matches after fracturing his toe in an accident at home. The England international, who was nearing a return from a groin injury that had sidelined him since September, suffered the injury after stubbing his little toe on his left foot.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback during a pre-match briefing ahead of their Premier League game against Burnley.

“Cole won’t be available for tomorrow, no,” Maresca said according to the club’s website. “Unfortunately, he had an accident at home two days ago where he hit his toe. It is fractured. It’s disappointing but these things can happen.”

The 23-year-old will miss Chelsea's next three matches: the Premier League trip to Burnley, the Champions League clash against Barcelona, and a crucial Premier League home game versus Arsenal.

“It’s nothing too serious but it’s causing him some pain on his little toe and for sure he’s not going to be available for this week or next,” the coach added.

Palmer had made just three Premier League appearances this season before this injury setback, having previously aggravated a groin injury shortly after returning to action in September. 

Maresca emphasised the team's readiness to adapt, saying, “The team prefer it when Cole is playing, I feel much better with Cole on the pitch but when he is not we need to find solutions. The team is doing fantastic, really well.”

Meanwhile, in a related but more positive news, defender Benoit Badiashile is fit and available for selection, and midfielder Moises Caicedo has returned from international duty without fitness concerns. 

Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto have also recovered from minor knocks and will be in contention.

Chelsea face a tough week ahead as they aim to climb the Premier League table from their current third-place standing, with Palmer’s return eagerly awaited once he recovers