Chelsea games Cole Palmer will definitely miss after freak injury at home

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Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer is set to miss the Blues' next three games after suffering a fresh injury blow amid his recovery from a groin problem sustained earlier in the season.

The 23-year-old has been out of action since picking up the injury in the away trip against Manchester United in the Premier League back in September. As a result, he has been limited to just four appearances across all competitions, missing 13 matches in total through injury so far.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Premier League return this weekend, Enzo Maresca issued an update on his squad following the final international break of the year. While there was positive news for some players, it was less so for Palmer, who was nearing a return before it emerged that he fractured his toe after stubbing it at his home in Surrey.

"Unfortunately, he had an accident at home with his toe," the Chelsea boss told a press conference on Friday morning. "But it's nothing important. For sure he is not back next week.

"We don't know. It's fractured. The only thing we know is he is not available for this week and next week. The last time I saw him was yesterday morning and he was without socks, without flip-flops, without nothing.

"I don't know how he is today. It was in the changing room. He wasn't limping, he seemed okay, but it's his small toe, so it can be painful."

The latest update means Palmer will miss Chelsea's next three matches at least. That includes Saturday's trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley in the early Premier League kick-off.

In an even greater blow, it also means Palmer will miss a crucial week for Chelsea as they gear up for blockbuster clashes both domestically and in Europe. He will be absent for the visit of Barcelona next Tuesday night, as well as a London derby at home to Arsenal that weekend.

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It is unclear when exactly Palmer will return to action for the Blues, but based on Maresca's comments this week, the away trip to Leeds United at the start of December could be a realistic target for the England international. If not, then they face another away trip to Bournemouth a few days later.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Chelsea have had a specially-adapted football boot made for Palmer in a bid to speed up his return. The Blues are hopeful that with the help of this special boot, Palmer will be able to get on the grass next week and train with his teammates.

Maresca will no doubt be hoping to have his star player available sooner rather than later as the Blues prepare for an unforgiving winter fixture schedule. They currently sit third in the Premier League standings with 11 played, but just three points separate them and Crystal Palace in 10th, meaning nothing is comfortable at this stage.

When asked whether Chelsea have looked better as a collective in Palmer's absence in recent months, Maresca dismissed the suggestion. "I don't think that [laughs]," he said. "I think that the teammates are better players with Cole playing.

"I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch, and we all want Cole on the pitch. At the same time, when Cole is not on the pitch, we need to find a solution.