Chelsea have been hit with another major setback as midfielder Cole Palmer has suffered a fractured toe following what the club described as an “accident at home.” The injury rules the 23-year-old out of several key fixtures, adding to his long-running struggles with fitness this season.
Palmer has made only four appearances so far in the 2025/26 campaign due to persistent injury issues. Just as he was close to returning from a groin problem, the latest mishap has forced him back into recovery.
The England international has not featured since limping off during Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 loss to Manchester United on September 20. While nearing full recovery, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that an unexpected incident at home has delayed Palmer’s comeback.
“He hit his toe two days ago. It’s nothing too serious, but he definitely won’t be back this week or next week. He was very close with the groin injury, almost ready but this small problem has set him back again.”
Maresca admitted such accidents are part of everyday life, joking that even he bumps into things during late-night trips to the bathroom.
Chelsea will now proceed without Palmer for at least their next three fixtures which includes Premier League game away at Burnley on Saturday, Champions League game at Stamford Bridge against Barcelona on Tuesday and another Premier League at home against Arsenal on November 30.
After those games, the earliest possible return date could be the Premier League clash against Leeds at Elland Road on December 3, though the club insists they will not rush him back.
Despite his spells on the sidelines, Palmer has been working hard behind the scenes. Reports say he has focused on gym work, building strength and maintaining fitness, while attending matches and training sessions from the sidelines.
He is said to be particularly eager to regain his place in the England squad, after missing the team’s successful qualification run for the 2026 World Cup. Maresca believes the talented playmaker will slot straight back into the national team once fit.
“Cole is one of our best players,” Maresca said. “There’s no doubt he has the quality to play for any international side.”
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole also praised Palmer’s importance, saying his return would “elevate the team” and give the squad a huge morale boost.
Palmer’s season has been stop-start since starring in Chelsea’s triumph at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball. This term, he has logged just 145 minutes of Premier League action.
Chelsea fans will now hope this latest setback is the last, as the club continues to battle through a congested schedule without one of its brightest talents.
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