Cole Palmer contradicted after posting Chelsea message that instantly backfires
Enzo Maresca has ruled Cole Palmer out of Chelsea’s clash away at Burnley on Saturday in a direct contradiction to the player’s own social media hint.
The West Londoners are set to travel up to the North West for the lunchtime kick-off this weekend, as they aim to close the gap to Arsenal at the top of the table.
Chelsea’s clash with Burnley had been put into doubt by Storm Claudia, but Maresca and his staff must now prepare as normal, with the game seemingly set to go ahead.
However, the Blues will have to live without their talisman for their trip to Turf Moor, after the boss revealed a fresh setback in his injury recovery during his press conference on Friday.
Cole Palmer to miss at least three more games for Chelsea
Chelsea fans would have been hopeful for Palmer to return against Burnley on Saturday, after he hinted at a potential return to action with a post on his Instagram story on Wednesday.
The England international shared a photo of himself in the dressing room at Stamford Bridge, accompanied by three emojis of a sand timer.
However, Maresca has now revealed that Saturday’s game will come too soon for the attacking midfielder, who has suffered another frustrating setback.
“He (Palmer) is not available for tomorrow for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure,” the Italian said, his quotes relayed by BBC Sport.
“Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It is not important, but he won’t be back in the next week. He was very close (to a return). He was almost back with us, which is very good news, but he has this small problem.
“It’s fractured. The only thing we know he is not available for this week and next week.”
Maresca’s comments make it clear that the 23-year-old will miss the next three games at least as a result of his latest issue, with one a potentially crucial clash with the current Premier League table-toppers.
The Blues must take the positive in relation to Palmer groin issue
Palmer hasn’t kicked a ball for Chelsea since their defeat away at Manchester United on 20 September, and the injury lay-off has certainly been a hugely unwelcome prospect for both the player and his team.
The youngster’s initial groin injury was deemed not to be serious enough to require surgery, and the Stamford Bridge outfit must surely take the positive in that his latest issue isn’t a recurrence of that problem.
Maresca suggested during his media duties that Palmer has now overcome his groin problem, meaning he should be ready for a quick return once the effects of this seemingly freakish incident have passed.
The midweek clash with Leeds United on 3 December will now become the next target for Chelsea’s star man, and they will be desperately hoping for that to prove achievable.