Chelsea star Cole Palmer has suffered another setback, with the England international ruled out for at least another week after fracturing his toe in a freak accident at home.

Palmer, who has already missed two months with a groin injury, was due to rejoin first-team training this week. But the 23-year-old’s return has been delayed after he stubbed and fractured the small toe on his favoured left foot on Wednesday night.

Africa Picks: Premier League – Bets to bank on in Gameweek 12

Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Palmer will miss three crucial fixtures: Saturday’s Premier League clash with Burnley, Tuesday’s Champions League showdown against Barcelona, and next weekend’s home match against Arsenal.

“He is probably not available for Saturday for sure, Barcelona for sure or Arsenal for sure,” Maresca said. “Unfortunately, he had an accident at home where he hit his toe. It is nothing important, but he won’t be back in the next week.”

High-pressure battles headline Premier League Gameweek 12

The Chelsea boss added with a smile: “I wake up many times during the night – I hit my head, my legs, my everything – so it can happen.”

Palmer last featured in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on 20 September. In his absence, Chelsea have impressed, winning eight of their 11 matches across all competitions and rising to third in the Premier League.

Still, Maresca admitted the Blues are a stronger side with Palmer on the pitch.

“I think that his team-mates are better players with Cole playing,” he said. “I feel much better when Cole is on the pitch, and we all want Cole on the pitch. The team is doing very well but we are better with Cole.”

Chelsea will, however, be boosted by the returns of Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto and Benoît Badiashile for the trip to Turf Moor.

Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images