LONDON, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea forward Cole Palmer will be sidelined for at least another week after fracturing a toe when he stubbed it on a door on Wednesday night, said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
The 23-year-old had been close to returning to first-team training following two months out with a groin issue, but the latest injury means he will remain unavailable slightly longer.
As a result, Palmer will miss Chelsea's next three matches: Saturday's Premier League clash away at Burnley, Tuesday's Champions League fixture against Barcelona, and the following weekend's home game against Arsenal.
"He is probably not available for Saturday for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure," Maresca said on a Friday's press conference.
Maresca explained that the setback occurred in unusual circumstances, saying: "Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It is nothing important, but he won't be back in the next week."
Palmer's last appearance came in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on 20 September. Chelsea has since played 11 games in all competitions, winning eight and losing two, and currently sits third in the Premier League.
Maresca highlighted the importance of Palmer to the team, saying: "I think that his team-mates are better players with Cole playing. I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch, and we all want Cole on the pitch."
However, he noted the squad must continue to adapt in Palmer's absence. "At the same time, when Cole is not on the pitch, we need to find a solution. The team is doing very well, but we are better with Cole. He was almost back with us," he added. ■
