Chelsea have received a major injury update as manager Enzo Maresca revealed that star midfielder Cole Palmer has returned to light training after suffering a freak broken toe at home.
Palmer had been close to a comeback from a two-month groin injury layoff when the unexpected setback occurred, but Maresca confirmed the 23-year-old is now back on the grass and making positive progress. The update provides fresh optimism ahead of a defining week for the Blues.
Palmer has not featured for Chelsea since their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in September, a period during which the team has impressively sustained momentum.
Saturday’s 2-0 win over Burnley lifted Maresca’s side above Manchester City into second place in the Premier League, while their Champions League campaign has yielded seven points from four games.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona, Maresca explained that Palmer is still wearing a protective boot but has begun ball work.
Despite encouraging signs, the Chelsea boss does not expect him to feature against Barcelona or in Sunday’s top-of-the-table league showdown with Arsenal. Maresca emphasised that the club is prioritising Palmer’s full recovery but remains confident the midfielder is “close” to a return.
Maresca also discussed the challenge posed by Barcelona, praising the quality and depth of Hansi Flick’s squad. He singled out Robert Lewandowski as a key threat, describing the Polish striker as a “fantastic player” with a proven record of scoring goals at the highest level.
The Chelsea boss highlighted the danger of Lamine Yamal, Fermin López, and Frenkie de Jong as well, noting that the Catalan giants possess multiple attacking weapons capable of punishing any lapse in concentration.
Despite acknowledging Barcelona’s strengths, Maresca expressed belief in the progress his own team has made, particularly compared to earlier matches in the competition. He described his Chelsea side as “a better team now,” stressing improvements in intensity, structure, and overall confidence.
Maresca added that Barcelona’s approach offers valuable lessons, praising their commitment to attacking football and proactive play, qualities he aims to replicate with the Blues.
Chelsea now enter a pivotal stretch of fixtures, beginning with the Champions League meeting against Barcelona before hosting Arsenal in a crucial Premier League contest.
