Major Blow for Chelsea as Palmer Suffers Freak Injury
Chelsea Football Club has been dealt a significant setback ahead of their Premier League encounter with Burnley this afternoon, confirming that key attacker Cole Palmer will once again be unavailable for selection.
The 22-year-old has managed just three league appearances this season due to a persistent groin issue. There had been optimism that he would be ready to return for next week's crucial fixtures against Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League.
However, those plans have been completely derailed by a bizarre domestic accident. Palmer fractured a toe after stubbing it on a door at home, an incident that rules him out of the upcoming high-profile showdowns as well as today's trip to Turf Moor. Manager Enzo Maresca is now uncertain when his talismanic player will be fit to return.
Team News: Caicedo Fit, Fernandez Returns
In more positive news for the Blues, midfielder Moises Caicedo has returned from international duty with Ecuador unscathed. He played the full 90 minutes in both of his country's matches during the break.
While Maresca has no fitness concerns regarding Caicedo, he may consider resting the midfielder either from the start or during the match, with those critical games against Barcelona and Arsenal looming.
There is a welcome return for Enzo Fernandez, who did not join the Argentina squad but has now recovered from a knee complaint and is available for selection against Burnley.
Further boosting the squad, Pedro Neto is now injury-free after overcoming a groin problem, and defender Benoit Badiashile is available slightly earlier than anticipated, having missed the previous seven games.
Absentees and Predicted Chelsea Lineup
The injury list at Stamford Bridge still holds a few names. Romeo Lavia remains sidelined following a recent setback, and Dario Essugo is not expected to be available until January.
Palmer's continued absence is a blow, but the return of Liam Delap from injury last month has provided Maresca with a tactical option. This has allowed Joao Pedro to operate in a deeper-lying role behind the main striker.
The match at Turf Moor kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, 22 November. Fans in the UK can watch the action live on TNT Sports 1, with streaming available via the Discovery+ app.
