Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that star attacker Cole Palmer has suffered a fractured toe following an accident at home and is highly unlikely to feature in upcoming Premier League fixtures against Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s match, Maresca told reporters:
“Cole has a fractured toe after an incident at home. He is probably not available for Burnley… Barcelona or Arsenal, for sure.”
The Italian added that Palmer had only just returned to full training after recovering from a groin problem, describing the new issue as “a small setback” but one that will keep the 23-year-old England international out of action in the immediate future.
Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, contributing goals and assists on a regular basis since his £42.5 million move from Manchester City in 2023.
His absence will be a significant blow for Maresca’s side during a congested December schedule.
Chelsea are yet to provide an exact timeline for Palmer’s return, but a fractured toe typically requires several weeks of recovery.
Further updates are expected in the coming days.
Or does it?
Some in the Chelsea camp and among rival analysts are already whispering that the timing and nature of the announcement raise eyebrows.
A domestic accident, a “small issue,” and a conveniently vague recovery period right before a tough run of fixtures?
It wouldn’t be the first time a club has played down—or even exaggerated—an injury to manipulate opponent preparation.
With Burnley, Barcelona, and Arsenal all likely planning their mid-block and pressing triggers around neutralizing Palmer, removing him from the equation (or making them believe he’s removed) could force tactical overhauls that play straight into Chelsea’s hands when the Englishman suddenly reappears earlier than expected.
Maresca’s deadpan delivery and the club’s history of occasional gamesmanship under certain managers only fuel the theory.
Is this genuine misfortune, or a calculated dose of mind games from the Chelsea dugout?
In modern football, sometimes the most dangerous weapon isn’t the player on the pitch; it’s the doubt you plant in the opposition’s head.
Keep an eye on those training pictures over the next week.
Cole Palmer’s “fractured toe” might just be the oldest trick in the book, dressed up in 2025 clothing.
