Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says the club has received a three-fold injury boost, even as there is another frustrating setback for Cole Palmer.
It was expected that Palmer would finally return to the field after spending the past two months with a groin problem. Instead, Maresca explained on Friday that the England midfielder has picked up a new problem – a broken toe – after an accident at home.
Palmer had been ‘very close’ to a return but he hit the little toe of his left foot on a door on Wednesday, giving him a break and ruling him out again.
As a result, Maresca confirmed he will miss Chelsea’s Saturday trip to Lancashire to face Burnley at Turf Moor, but could return against Barcelona and Arsenal.
When asked about Palmer, the Chelsea boss told reporters at his place pre-Burnley press conference on Friday.
‘He’s probably not available, certainly for tomorrow, Barcelona for sure, Arsenal for sure. Unfortunately, he had an accident with his toe at home. But it’s nothing important. He certainly won’t be back next week.’
Although Palmer’s setback stole most of the attention at Maresca’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s match against Burnley, Chelsea’s head coach at least had some positive news to share.
Boost
Three players who were considered doubtful are now in contention, with Benoît Badiashile, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto all cleared to be part of the squad.
However, he added that he had not yet seen Moisés Caicedo, who only flew back to England on Thursday evening after an international match with Ecuador.
‘Moi [Caicedo] came back last night, haven’t seen him yet.
‘But he’s good. Benoit is back. He may be available tomorrow; that’s great news for us.
‘And then Enzo and Pedro, they used the international break to get some energy back, also to recover from the injury and the problems they had, and they are both available for tomorrow.’
Maresca’s side now have a chance to close the gap to just three points behind leaders Arsenal, but only if Tottenham do them a favor in Sunday’s north London derby. At the same time, they will hope to gain maximum points to extend their unbeaten run against the Clarets to twelve games.
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