A Strange Twist Disrupts Chelsea Before Barcelona and Arsenal Clashes
Enzo Maresca reveals the unexpected reason behind Cole Palmer’s absence from two massive fixtures despite nearing full recovery.
action, despite the player being close to full fitness ⚽🔥
Palmer, who had just recovered from a thigh injury and began shining again with goals against Brentford and Bayern Munich, suffered a sudden setback inside his home.
Maresca explained during the press conference that Palmer fractured his toe after accidentally hitting a door at night, forcing him to wear a protective boot and delaying his comeback. Although the English international has started light ball training, he won’t be available for the upcoming Champions League clash against Barcelona nor the Premier League derby against Arsenal.
Chelsea currently sit second in the league table with 23 points, six behind leaders Arsenal, as both teams prepare for a massive showdown at Stamford Bridge next Sunday 🔵🔥
However, Maresca stressed that full focus is now on Barcelona, who arrive with huge attacking power led by Robert Lewandowski (8 league goals) and rising star Lamine Yamal with 6 assists ⭐
The Chelsea boss emphasized the need for collective defending to stop Barcelona’s firepower, praising Lewandowski, Yamal, Fermín López, and Frenkie de Jong.
Maresca concluded by noting that Chelsea are entering a packed period of big matches, but it is also an opportunity to prove the team’s strength and consistency.
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