Chelsea’s Cole Palmer ruled out for three matches after freak toe injury

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer will miss the club’s next two Premier League fixtures as well as Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona after fracturing a toe in a domestic accident, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.

The 23-year-old had only just returned to training following a two-month absence due to a groin injury. Maresca revealed that Palmer suffered the fresh setback at home after stubbing his toe on a door during the night.

Palmer has now been ruled out of Saturday’s visit to Burnley, the Champions League clash with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, and next weekend’s top-of-the-table meeting with Arsenal.

“He is not available for tomorrow, for Barcelona or for Arsenal,” Maresca said. “It was an accident at home. It’s nothing major, but he won’t be back within the week.”

Palmer, who scored twice in Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in July, is expected to play a key role for England ahead of next year’s World Cup.


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Arsenal defender Gabriel sidelined for weeks

Arsenal have also been hit with an injury setback as manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that centre-back Gabriel Magalhães will be out for “weeks” after sustaining a thigh injury while on international duty.

Gabriel suffered the injury during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. His absence comes as a blow to an Arsenal defence that has conceded just five goals in 11 league matches, with the Brazilian forming a strong partnership alongside William Saliba.

“Gabi picked up an injury with Brazil and he’s going to be out for weeks,” Arteta said. “We’ll have another scan next Wednesday, and then we will know more.”

Arteta admitted losing a defensive leader is “never positive,” but he expressed confidence in the squad’s depth. Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera are candidates to step in for Sunday’s match against Tottenham.

While acknowledging Gabriel’s unique qualities, Arteta said the team must adapt: “Every player brings specific qualities. Gabi brings leadership, presence and intensity. We’ll have to spread that responsibility. Others have stepped up before and will do so again.”