Cole Palmer injury update as Enzo Maresca plan for Barcelona clash clear

Chelsea have been without Cole Palmer for a dozen matches across all competitions because of a niggling groin injury and a recently fractured little toe

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Cole Palmer will soon return for Chelsea after missing their last dozen matches. Palmer is training again despite recently fracturing his little toe while recovering from a groin injury.

The Blues boss has revealed his player is already back out on the grass, but conceded they are still uncertain about an exact date. Palmer has been given a specially-adapted football boot to aid his recovery and allow him to train ahead of their key run of fixtures.

Chelsea host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday, and they then welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal five days later.

During Monday's press conference, Maresca said: "Yeah, we don't know when, but for sure, it will be soon. He is already on the pitch, touching the ball, and the feeling is good."

Maresca also addressed whether Palmer would be fit for the weekend's London derby. He said: "We are here for tomorrow's game, and after that, we will see about the Arsenal game."

Maresca added: "The last time I spoke with Cole was after the session yesterday to see how he was feeling. But I didn't ask him for details about the injury at all."

The coach also acknowledged that this week is a crucial one for the team. "It's a big week, as you said, but at the end of this week, we have Leeds away, Bournemouth away, Atalanta away - so it's another big week," he said.

"Every game is three points. Barcelona tomorrow and Arsenal on Sunday are important for different reasons, but it's important for us to go game by game."

Before the Burnley match, Maresca confirmed that Palmer would not be playing against Arsenal or Barcelona, nor in the previous weekend's match. He revealed: "Cole won't be available for tomorrow, no. For sure, he won't feature in this game. And for sure not for Barcelona or Arsenal.

"Unfortunately, he had an accident at home two days ago, where he hit his toe. It is fractured.

"It's disappointing, but these things can happen. It's nothing too serious, but it's causing him some pain in his little toe, and for sure, he's not going to be available for this week or next.

"He was very close to being back with us from his groin issue, which is very good, but then he had this problem with his toe, which has set him back. It's nothing major, but he needs a bit more time to recover."

Palmer has been absent from Chelsea's last 12 matches across all competitions. His last appearance against Manchester United at Old Trafford lasted barely 20 minutes.

A groin issue also sidelined Palmer for the final two matches before the September international break. He played in the next three games, scoring his first two goals of the season during that run, before succumbing to his groin injury.